We all need money to provide the basics for living. This includes, at a minimum, money for housing – a place to call home; for food that will fuel our body and mind with energy; for clothing to keep cool or warm; a phone to stay connected; a way to get to work or school; for leisure activities that bring us joy; and for prescribed medications when needed.

The following initiatives can assist people in our community living on lower incomes to have the basics for living.

Become a Living Wage Employer

Employers can offer employees a living wage and be certified as a Living Wage Employer. A living wage is the hourly wage a worker needs to earn to cover their basic expenses and participate in their community. A living wage is a practical tool for reducing poverty through paid work. The hourly living wage in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark is $18.25.

Apply for a Canada Learning Bond

Parents can apply for the Canada Learning Bond and access up to $2000 without having to add any of their own money to support the dreams of their children in any educational opportunity after high school. Go to www.SmartSaver.org and see what is possible.

Apply for Government Subsidies and Tax Credits

All people have the opportunity to access eligible government programs after filing income taxes each year. Some example are GST/HST Credit, Housing Support, Child Tax Credit, Child Care Fee Subsidy, Canada Pension Plan (CPP/QPP) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). There are volunteer income tax clinics across Leeds, Grenville and Lanark that can help access these subsidies and credits for individuals and their families.

3 ways, I can help.

• Learn about the benefits a living wage brings to a community
• Volunteer at a local income tax clinic
• Learn more about the Canada Learning Bond, share the news with family and friends

“COVID-19 has demonstrated the importance a stable income has on physical and emotional well-being. When someone is without the income to meet their basic needs like housing, food, clothing and transportation it leaves that person vulnerable to the risk of developing health problems. Stable employment with benefits allows people to make decisions that protect their health and the health of others in their community. Income-based solutions need to be part of the plan when building healthy communities for all” states Tanis Brown, Registered Nurse.

For more information on health visit www.healthunit.org or call 1-800-660-5853.

Contact

For media responses, contact: Susan Healey, Communications Co-ordinator, 613-802-0550 or Katie Jackson, Manager, 613-812-0416 or send an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..