The 2016 Federal Budget, released on Tuesday, promises meaningful progress on issues related to poverty, homelessness and domestic abuse.
Such issues, which were notably highlighted by the YWCA of Calgary in a February meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau, affect women and families accessing YWCA programs and services.
We’re pleased to see over $2.3 billion promised in spending over two years in housing and homelessness, representing the most significant investments in housing and homelessness in at least 25 years. The United Nations recently criticized Canada for its “persistent housing crisis” in a report that pointed to the lack of a national housing strategy. This budget addresses that with immediate investment followed by the long-overdue development of a National Housing Strategy.
Another key point in the budget is the expansion of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy with an additional $111.8 million over two years giving “communities the support they need to help prevent and reduce homelessness, including Housing First activities, better emergency response services, and supports for youth, women fleeing violence, and veterans.” (Federal Budget 2016)
We can also expect $89.9 million for the construction and renovation of shelters and transition houses for victims of family violence. This unprecedented investment is expected to support the construction or renovation of more than 3,000 shelters spaces over the next two years. With domestic violence rates on the rise in Alberta, this is much-needed infrastructure for women and their children seeking refuge.
A new tax-free Canada child benefit starting July 1 will increase payments for most Canadians with children, simplify the tax code and offer greater assistance to lower-income families. Disproportionally, children in poverty are living with mothers who are poor. As with the Alberta Child Benefit announced in the last provincial budget, it will be essential for low-income women to file their taxes to reap these benefits.
Expansion of Employment Insurance benefits in regions with particularly acute unemployment challenges, including energy-dependent Calgary and Alberta, is good news for families struggling in the tough economic climate.
The budget also banked $500 million for child care as an incentive to the provinces to join a proposed national child-care system. With Alberta holding on its child care plans, we’re particularly anxious to see direction emerge. More quality, affordable child care means women, who are still most often primary care givers, can pursue education and employment opportunities.
While we’d wanted to see more meaningful investment in Status of Women Canada (at two-one-hundredths of the federal government’s programmatic spending), overall, we’re feeling hopeful Budget 2016 will have real and meaningful benefit to women, their families and our communities.
