A Critical Analysis of Changes to Special Needs Assistance in Nova Scotia
On August 8th, 2011, the Nova Scotia government made several changes that affect access to special needs allowances under the income assistance system. In the summer of 2012, the CCPA-NS began an analysis of these changes, interviewing stakeholders and holding a community forum. This report looks at the major themes that emerged in those interviews, and also offers long- and short-term recommendations for the NS income assistance system that will help us to better meet the needs of Nova Scotians living in poverty and support their health and dignity.
- A 4-page summary of this report is available, here: Policy Points: Cornerstone Compromised.
About the authors
Sara Wuite
Christine Saulnier
Christine Saulnier (she/her) is Director of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-Nova Scotia. She has a doctorate in Political Science from York University. She leads the living wage calculations for communities across Atlantic Canada and serves as a co-author of the annual child and family poverty report cards for Nova Scotia. She has written extensively, and given commentary on a range of other public policy issues including fiscal policy, labour markets, and child care policy. She serves on the Steering Committee of Child Care Now Nova Scotia, and Campaign 2000 (national coalition to end child and family poverty). She served on the Board of the NS Health Coalition and Adsum for 10 years.