The minimum wage in Nova Scotia is $15.20 which is $9.10 below or 62% of the Living Wage.  A person working full time/35 hours per week would earn $27,664 with a minimum wage -- $16,562 below a Living Wage.

·     Poverty rate for persons under 18 years: 14%

·     Poverty rate for persons aged 18-64 years: 13.8%

·     Poverty rate for persons aged 65 years and older: 10.4%

·     Poverty rate for elderly males not in an economic family: 25.7%

·     Poverty rate for elderly females not in an economic family: 25%

Rank of Nova Scotia welfare incomes relative to other provinces, 2022

• Unattached singles considered employable: $9,493.00 welfare income (9^th in Canada)

• Unattached singles with a disability: $12,687 welfare income (9^th in Canada)

• Single parents with 1 child: $21,724 welfare income (9^th in Canada)

• Couples with 2 children: $33,449 welfare income (7^th in Canada)

Market Basket Measure (MBM) Poverty Line 2022 for:

• Unattached singles considered employable: $26,219. Welfare income is 36% of the MBM poverty line and $10,171 below the deep poverty line set at $19,664.

• Unattached singles with a disability: $26,219. Welfare income is 48% of the MBM poverty line and $6,977 below the deep poverty line set at $19,664.

• Single parents with 1 child: $37,074.  Welfare income is 58.6% of the MBM poverty line and $6,082 below the deep poverty line set at $27,806.

• Couples with 2 children: $39,329. Welfare income is 75% of the MBM poverty line.

The Market Basket Measure (MBM) is Canada’s Official Poverty Line; the deep income poverty threshold is set at 75 per cent of the MBM. Since the MBM is regional, the threshold for Nova Scotia’s largest city, Halifax, is used

• 28.9% of Nova Scotians are food insecure with 7.3% of people missing meals, reducing intake or going day(s) without food.  About 15.4% said they compromised on quality or quantity of food while 6.1% worry about running out of food.

• Single-parent families have the highest rate of food insecurity with 57.1%. 

• Child food insecurity increased from 31.4% in 2021 to 40.5% — a 29% increase in a year.

• Food insecurity is 37.5% among racialized households compared to non-racialized at 26.8%. 

The cost of food for a family of four in 2023 was considerably higher at $1,343 per month or $16,120 annually.  (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Nova Scotia,

• Electric heat with Air source heat pump:  $1,870 annually

• Electric heat with Baseboard heaters: $3,553 annually

• Oil heat with new furnace: $3,973 annually

• Oil heat with old furnace: $4,825 annually

2 in 5 Nova Scotians spend 30% of more of their income on housing costs. A one-bedroom apartment in Antigonish can cost $1,000 to $1,200.  According to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives 2023 report, the cost of shelter for a family of 4 in Northern Nova Scotia was $1,752.  This would be higher in Antigonish. 

Utility Costs

Utilities can average $400 per month or $4,800 per year.

• NS Power: $195/month

• Internet/Cable/Phone: $120/month

• Water/Other: $80 - $100/month

 In September, BIG-NS is partnering with the public libraries in Sydney, Baddeck, Halifax Central, Woodlawn, and Sackville and the NSCC in Truro (and potentially other locations) to show and discuss the movie Raising the Floor, a moving narrative of a majority Latinx community coming together to feed neighbours and strangers during an unprecedented public health crisis, eventually by providing unconditional cash transfers to those in need. Here is the event description for the Sackville showing: https://halifax.bibliocommons.com/.../66a3d60442fa12abcec...

You can watch the movie trailer here: https://www.raisingthefloorfilm.com/

• The Financial Costs of a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income

• Will Guaranteed Livable Basic Income Discourage Work?

• Will Guaranteed Livable Basic Income Cause Inflation?

• Reaching Those Most Marginalized

• Guaranteed Livable Basic Income & Existing Programs

• The Cognitive Tax of Scarcity

• How Guaranteed Livable Income Benefits and Supports Indigenous Communities & Peoples

• How Guaranteed Livable Income Benefits and Supports Farming and Fishing Industries

1. Overview

2. In Canada

3. Gender and Family

4. Health

5. International

6. Morals and Values

7. Poverty

8. Public Services

9. The New Economy

10. The Business Case

11. What It Could Mean For You

12. Food Insecurity

Doesn’t Canada already help everyone in some way?

How does a basic income guarantee make a difference?

Surely a basic income guarantee can’t solve everything?

If everyone has access to basic income, why would anyone work?

How much will it cost?

How will it work?

A Canadian City Once Eliminated Poverty and Nearly Everyone Forgot About It (2014): A news article comprehensively reviewing the 1970s Manitoba Mincome experiment and what has been learned from it in recent years.

A Plea for Young People to Join the Fight for Basic Income: In a short article, Tony Kirby of Vancouver makes a case for youth engagement in the struggle for basic income.

About Basic Income: A short overview from the web site of Basic Income Earth Network with links to dozens of frequently asked questions, and much more on the BIEN site.

Basic Income and You: A web page from Basic Income Ireland with information relevant to Canadians; nicely describes how basic income can improve the lives of the employed, unemployed, self-employed, the young and those involved in caregiving or artistic/creative work.

Basic Income Guarantee: Backgrounder: By public health experts Brian Hyndman and Lisa Simon, this is an accessible introduction to basic income - definition, its history in Canada, potential benefits and more.

Cash transfers can work better than subsidies (2014): A news article on the “transformative” potential of basic income in India, based on recent pilot programs there.

Good Poor, Bad Poor (2013): A news article with an excellent critique of the prejudice that the poor are lazy, dependent etc.

How to put Canada back together again (2013): A distinguished Canadian journalist identifies basic income as one of “four big recommendations for repairing the tears in our social fabric.”

Income Security for All Canadians: Understanding Guaranteed Income (undated): This paper covers all the major issues from different models of how basic income works, to funding, pro and con arguments and a history of proposals in Canada, with good references for further reading.

Income Security for Working-Age Adults in Canada: Let’s consider the model under our nose (2008): This paper presents important information and analysis of Canada’s income security system.

Money for nothing: Mincome experiment could pay dividends 40 years on (2014): A news article focusing on the Manitoba Mincome experiment of the 1970s, featuring interviews with a couple of basic income recipients at that time.

Possibilities and Prospects: The Debate Over a Guaranteed Income (2009): This paper assesses the pros and cons of guaranteed (basic) income.

Rethinking the Idea of a Basic Income for All (2013): A news article in which the writer surveys right-of-centre American thought on basic income, noting how basic income has received support from the conservative and libertarian wings of the political spectrum.

Scrapping Welfare: The case for guaranteeing all Canadians an income above the poverty line (2012): A case for basic income by the always eloquent Hugh Segal, former Conservative Senator, former Chief of Staff to the Right Hon. Brian Mulroney, and presently the Master of Massey College in Toronto.

Social Determinants of Health: The Canadian Facts (2010): An excellent summary report of the various social determinants of health of which income is one.

The Basic Income We Want: Statement from Basic Income Canada Network on key guidelines for good basic income design. (In French: Le Revenu garanti que nous voulons Une déclaration du Conseil d’administration du Réseau canadien pour le revenu garanti)

The Case for a Guaranteed Income (2013): An infographic nicely contrasting basic income against welfare.

The Global Economy is Changing Rapidly (2018): A short and colourful cartoon story making the case for basic income (also available as a PDF file and a JPG file).

They can’t, but we can (2014): A Canadian income security expert provides his low-cost estimate of eliminating income poverty in Ontario via a basic income.

To Beat Back Poverty, Pay the Poor (2011): A news article surveying Brazil and Mexico’s success with basic income, with programs reaching tens of millions of families.

To end poverty, guarantee everyone in Canada $20,000 a year. But are you willing to trust the poor? (2010): A news article framing the possibilities of and barriers to basic income in Canada.

COVID-19, however, isn't just a disease that attacks an individual. It affects entire communities and lays bare other equally dangerous problems in our society. Sustained poverty, a lack of basic living requirements, a lack of access to mental health supports, and the disparity between communities has become more prevalent than ever before.

Now is the time that we need to take action and to face these long-standing inequities and social pains. We need to demonstrate the same levels of passion, creativity and collaboration that we have seen put to work against COVID-19. We’ve seen how powerful our collective efforts can be.

Multiple sectors of the economy have joined forces. The various levels of government have proven they can work across jurisdictions and party lines in response to this problem. We must continue to work together. But it's not a time for hesitation. The unfortunate reality of the economic aftermath of this pandemic will not be pleasant. We don’t have the luxury to wait another day. The time is now.

COLLABORATION NEEDED

I have met with many groups who are proponents of a basic income from the riding, across the province and even national experts to do a deeper analysis on basic income and what it would mean for Canadians. I’ve also heard from constituents and stakeholders from Glace Bay to Guysborough County, which is why I am championing the creation and implementation of a Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) in the Atlantic Region and across our country.

To do this, we need to see collaboration. Collaboration from community organizations like non-profits, Chambers of Commerce, social enterprises and leaders from varying sectors, from all levels of governments, across all party lines, and most importantly, collaboration from each of our diverse communities.

A Guaranteed Basic Income is a minimum income for all members of our community. Meaning those whose income is below the cost of living, are afforded this support measure to establish equity in our communities. In pilot projects over the past four decades, these projects have discovered that a GBI could achieve significant benefits for all members of our community.

NUMEROUS BENEFITS

Studies have suggested that a Guaranteed Basic Income can lead to:

* Improved mental and physical health

* A decrease in healthcare costs

* A decrease in the use of social service providers for those in crisis

* A decline in crime rates

* Increase of students graduating at higher levels

* Increase in those looking for meaningful work opportunities rather than giving up on finding work.

These are just some of the many benefits of pro-active and socially-just investments by the government. Not only would smart investments like this save money in the long run, but would ultimately lead to a much healthier, safer, prosperous and more equal society. One that is inclusive of the needs of those who often feel as though they are being left behind.

COVID-19 has taken away so many things, but it has shown us that when we face a dangerous enemy, we can stand together, we can be creative, and we can beat it- no matter how frightening the enemy is. It doesn’t matter if that enemy is the coronavirus or a system that prevents a single mother from being able to provide for her children, if we roll up our sleeves, get creative and get to work, we will come out on top.

Mike Kelloway is MP for Cape Breton-Canso.

It’s not a problem meeting that demand, said director Linda McRae. The food bank has adapted to serve the minimum 80 customers it sees daily, thanks to an influx of donations and volunteers.

However, in its 40th year, this is the busiest the food bank has ever been. And as McRae said, it’s evident more people than ever need help, not only for food but also several needs.

“God love them, they’re trying. But between rent and life things, they can’t do it,” said McRae. “We see people now who haven’t been here in many years.

“They’re starting to come back.”

Now, a new Food Banks Canada report suggests the level of poverty across the country could be higher than other figures have shown since the ongoing cost of living crisis has emerged.

It’s especially a concern in Glace Bay and Cape Breton — two areas that have historically had lower income levels and higher poverty rates than the rest of Nova Scotia.

McRae believes the overall situation in Cape Breton is worse than the findings in the Food Banks Canada report. In Glace Bay alone, between April 2023 and May 2024, meals served annually have gone up from 12,499 to 16,639.

“To be up over 4,140 meals in a community this size, that’s substantial,” said McRae.

Material deprivation index

So, why is this report so noteworthy? For starters, it’s a Food Banks Canada report that isn’t focused on just food.

It uses a different measurement: the material deprivation index (MDI). As opposed to other rulers such as one’s level of income, the MDI reflects how many people don’t have essential household goods such as food, heating or clothing.

“If we just look at income levels alone, that doesn’t tell the whole story about people who are living in poverty. What MDI does is take into account household financial obligations,” Nick Jennery, the executive director of Feed Nova Scotia, explained to the Cape Breton Post.

“It talks about an acceptable standard of, ‘Everybody should be able to heat and cool their home,’ or buy winter boots for your kids.”

From 11 “items” used in the report, a quarter of the roughly 2,000 study respondents said they were deprived of two or more of them. The report stated this two-item threshold indicates a poverty-level standard of living.

Of the Atlantic Canadian respondents, 27.1 per cent said they are in that two-or-more-item class, while almost 20 per cent of them were missing at least three items.

Needs ‘some special attention’

Jennery said reports like this paint a more accurate picture of local poverty situations and something governments should recognize as a first step to solving the problems.

“Poverty is understated because it just looks at income levels,” he said, calling food insecurity the “bar-none” biggest crisis in Nova Scotia right now, especially so in Cape Breton.

“Cape Breton does need some special attention and help.”

The island has long been among the lowest-earning regions in Nova Scotia and, as the Post reported in December, has amongst the highest poverty rates in the region.

The executive director of United Way Cape Breton, an organization that offers community services and fundraising, said this material deprivation in Cape Breton shows itself in many ways from buying food and beyond.

One example Lynne McCarron gave is the fact children learn better if they have breakfast. But for those who can’t afford food, the impact can snowball into struggles in school and a harder time working their way out of poverty.

“Before, it was the difference of choosing between needs and wants. And I think now, we’re choosing among the needs,” McCarron said.

Another example she gave was women and girls who can’t afford menstrual products, which can be a barrier preventing them from attending work or school.

“Those are the kinds of things you’re going without,” she said.

Efforts to help

However, McCarron said there are reasons to be optimistic for things to get better soon, based on the report and local efforts to assist people.

On United Way’s part, one of its efforts has been helping people work or earn an education remotely. That way, people brushing the poverty line could worry less about transportation or childcare costs that come with having to work away.

McCarron said these solutions are long-term initiatives to fight poverty.

“I always say, if you give me a plan, I’ll find you the money,” she said. “Because there’s always a foundation, corporate donor, individual donor or government agency that is willing to take a risk on an opportunity to move forward.”

Back at the Glace Bay Food Bank, McRae said it's a priority for local groups to work together to feed and assist those in need. There’s a long way to go, but she’s proud of what the food bank and others locally such as the Salvation Army have been able to do.

“When we have those conversations,” she said, “it makes us feel stronger and at least, we know that we’re doing what we can do.”

To read the full paper as a PDF, click here: Energy Poverty and an Equitable Transition

To read the full paper on the Efficiency One website, click here: Energy Poverty and an Equitable Transition (web) 

Notably, 9 of the 10 communities experiencing the worst energy povety in Nova Scotia are in Cape Breton.

Each item is color coded:

• Black - Reports

• Red - Advocacy Tools

• Orange - Databases/Lists of Resources

• Green - News/Media

• Blue - Infographs & Events

• Purple - Articles

Please add your resource under the relevant heading, or create a new category. Please email megan1.macleod@nshealth.ca with any questions