Advisory Council to Meet with Minister

The changes to the social assistance system announced this week by Community Services Minister Peter Christie have the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women asking questions.

Patricia Doyle-Bedwell, advisory council chair, said that although some of the changes are good, they do not address several barriers faced by women.

"The changes to the system will still have a disproportionate impact on women because of the issues they face," said Ms. Doyle- Bedwell. "Although child-care benefits will be increased and these monies will not be tied to subsidized spots, will the benefits cover the cost of private day cares?"

Before women can go to work, there are certain issues that must be considered, according to the advisory council. Those issues include: support for women wishing to pursue post-secondary educations; a clothing and telephone allowance, both of which are needed in order to apply for employment; and training programs that accommodate all racial backgrounds.

The council would also like to ensure that those who prepare social assistance recipients for transition into the labour force are professionals, such as social workers.

The Advisory Council on the Status of Women has arranged to meet with Mr. Christie on the issue.

"We want to ensure that any measures to make women employable are supported adequately with educational, child-care and transportation supports," said Ms. Doyle-Bedwell.