P.E.I. social assistance food allowance increased

Food allowance rates for those on social assistance in P.E.I. will increase by up to 17 per cent, the province announced Friday.

The rate change depends on the age and number of people in a family.              

A single adult will receive $17 more per month for food.             

The changes, which come into effect Sept. 1, will cost the province $796,000.              

The rate increase is part of a provincial strategy to help address issues faced by low-income Islanders.

"Well there's always more to do, and, certainly as minister, I recognize that," said Family and Human Services Minister Doug Currie.

"But if you look at the inroads that we've made and whether it be the tax incentives for low-income Islanders that are on assistance, if you look at this announcement today, with an increase for food, there's been a number of initiatives that we've presented Islanders over the last number of years that I think does take a tremendous amount of pressure off those families on assistance."

Rates were increased last summer when the rate for a single adult increased $9 per month.

In a news release, Progressive Conservative Leader Rob Lantz calls the increase a "welcome tiny step forward" that will "barely scratch the surface of the root challenges" of those in need.

"Government has tied its many fee and license increases to inflation yet it doesn't do the same for supports for our most vulnerable. This contradiction is a major roadblock to opportunity for low-income Islanders," said Lantz.