By Sarah Klein
Progressive Conservative Party leader Brian Pallister (CHRISD.CA FILE)
Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative Party have set their sights set on targeting poverty in the province.
Thursday marks International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, and Tory leader Brian Pallister said the province needs to do more to address the increasing issue.
“Five percent of all Manitobans used a food bank in 2012 and this is a reality we won’t accept,” Pallister said. “Not only is that the highest percentage in the country, it’s an indication the NDP approach has failed the Manitobans who needed them most.”
Pallister said the child poverty rate has climbed to 11.1 percent under Premier Greg Selinger’s government. That rate is higher at 62 percent for First Nations children.
The Tories say the proposed $20-per-month increase for those eligible for Rent-Aid is too low in addressing the affordable housing crisis in Manitoba.
“We have proposed an increase in the Basic Personal Tax Exemption to the Canadian average (currently $10,679). That is an increase of 20 percent and means a hand-up for struggling Manitobans.”
