91.3 Rescinding Bill C-69: The Government Expenditures Restraint Act
[Whereas,] Rationale:
The objective of the Canada Assistance Plan (CAP) when it was introduced in 1966 was to assure the provision of social assistance
to all those persons in need who had established their eligibility for such help. Through CAP, the federal government has provided
up to 50% of the cost of social assistance programs with no limitations for cost-sharing purposes. This open-ended feature is a
fundamental principle of the legislation.
The decision to limit the increase in funding for three of the ten provinces for the next two years was taken without consultation,
thereby contravening the intent of the Act. The implementation of Bill C-69 will adversely affect the ability of the three provinces
concerned to provide social assistance programs to those eligible for them. It will also exacerbate regional disparities.
[RESOLVED,]
NCWC urges the Government of Canada to rescind Bill C-69. Further, it urges the Government to consult with the provinces and social welfare organizations to review the aims, costs, and effectiveness of existing programs before implementing any changes to the Canada Assistance Plan Act.