Dear Mr. Legault, as an informed and politicized citizen, I know that you are not only a long-time politician, but also an accountant. However, I want to appeal here to your humanity.
Do you know the income of a single person entitled to social assistance deemed able to work? Before revealing the amount, do you know that the psychosocial situation of people is not considered in the judgment that categorizes the person fit for work? A depressed person without a family doctor, a person who badly needs dental care or glasses, a person who is grieving, a person who suffers from an illness not recognized by the ministry, etc. are situations that go under the radar of welfare managers. These people are and most likely will be considered employable.
But before a person in either of these situations can receive any help from the state, they will have to prove their destitution. The amount that a single person deemed fit for work is allowed to have in the bank when applying for social assistance is $887.
Once proof of deprivation has been received by program managers, the person must use what remains in the bank until the following month, when their stay on social assistance begins. From then on, this single person will receive an amount of $770 per month. She will be able to earn $200 in employment income per month without having her social assistance reduced. Remember that single people do not share the amount of rent, electricity and Internet bills, etc. And note also that the reimbursement of health care is granted after six months of benefits.
accident of life
As I doubt neither your capacity for empathy nor your humanity, I ask you, Mr. Legault, to put yourself in the place of people who have had an accident in life. What would your mental state be if your monthly income was capped at $970? How would you approach the end of the month? Do you think your friends will reach out to you and pay for you every time you go to a restaurant, café or show? Do you think a landlord will give you a rent reduction because you’re having a bad time? Do you think Hydro-Québec will be lenient with you if you haven’t managed to pay your winter bill in full?
There are approximately 2 million people in Quebec who are poor enough not to pay any tax. What is the anti-inflation shield that you have to offer these people so that they finally see life in a better light and that their physical and mental health is better?
The players in the field are calling for a guaranteed minimum income for everyone, regardless of their situation. Quebec needs structural measures. For what ? To prevent. Prevent tomorrow’s anxiety, prevent the descent into addiction, prevent social isolation, prevent homelessness. Preventing human tragedies, preventing “mishaps”, preventing petty violence and delinquency.
Don’t forget, Mr. Legault, that Quebec is also distinguished by the principles of social justice and equity, notions that seem far removed from the concerns of the managers at the head of your government.
Hope you will be sensitive to people who can’t pay tax.