FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 9, 2022
SIMCOE – Haldimand-Norfolk provincial election candidate Bobbi Ann Brady met with RISE Norfolk today to discuss the challenges poverty is presenting in the area and how to address these challenges.
“This is a fantastic group of locals who recognize action is needed to help the vulnerable in our communities,” Brady said. “In my 23 years working for MPP Toby Barrett, I have seen a steady rise in the people reaching out for help because they cannot afford life anymore. Vulnerable in the community range from those with a disability, someone who has fallen on their luck and needs a hand up, the working poor, or those with addictions.
“There are ways in which government can work with volunteer organizations and the private sector to get people back on their feet, but governments are now condemning vulnerable people in our community to a life of dependency.”
During the meeting, Brady discussed the idea that not all social assistance recipients share the same challenges and that each person can have a unique situation.
“There is no discretion or common sense applied, but rather what we see is a one-size-fits-all approach, and that simply isn’t working,” Brady continued. “This is a longstanding and systemic issue, and inflation is making this worse today. Ontario needs to have a long look at Quebec’s model of indexing disability benefits to inflation.”
The candidate also spoke about getting to work instead of government studying and reporting. Looking at what’s working and emulating the best is where Brady suggested government begin. Brady added that if volunteers or the private sector can offer better programming and results, the government needs to get out of the way.
“You can’t budget out of poverty,” said Tamra Smith, chair of RISE – Norfolk. “We need action and people in positions of leadership who care about those living in poverty.
Brady said she’s eager to take unique challenges forward to the floor of the Ontario Legislature once she is elected.
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