By Jessica Brisson, NeoMedia
The Corporations de développement communautaire (CDC) de la Montérégie-Ouest are jointly expressing their deep disappointment at the Legault government’s recent economic update, which, according to the group, neglects the urgent needs of the region’s vulnerable populations and community organizations.
This fall, CDCs played an active role in the national “Quebec is KO” campaign, initiated by the Table nationale des Corporations de développement communautaire (TNCDC), to raise government awareness of the issues of poverty and social exclusion. Despite these concerted efforts, the measures announced remain largely insufficient, according to the organization.
“With few clear commitments from Minister Girard, Quebec will remain stagnant until the government significantly increases its funding to combat poverty and social exclusion,” said Marie-Line Audet, TNCDC Executive Director.
In concrete terms, the organization requires:
– the implementation of direct support programs for people living below the poverty line, including increases in social assistance benefits corresponding at least to the amount of the Market Basket Measure;
– access to decent, truly affordable housing outside the speculative market for people living in poverty and social exclusion throughout Quebec;
– sufficient recurrent funding for community organizations to enable them to effectively support vulnerable populations.
Social assistance: a losing battle?
For the CDC, the absence of major bonuses in welfare benefits “keeps the people concerned on the dole.” “With an average annual welfare payment of $14,701, recipients are unable to get back on their feet in the face of inflation and precariousness,” the CDC denounces.
Housing: left in the lurch
Despite the announcement of an acceleration in construction projects, there has been no investment in new social or community housing. And yet, according to the corporations, 10,000 additional units were needed to respond to the current crisis.
“By failing to support community organizations and allowing the housing crisis and distress to worsen, the government is putting Vaudreuil-Soulanges on the ropes. It’s a step backwards for our communities,” laments Sébastien Legros, General Manager of CDC Vaudreuil-Soulanges.
Community organizations: forgotten
Finally, the CDC de la Montérégie-Ouest points out that no additional funding has been allocated to the overall mission of community organizations, despite crying needs estimated at $2.6 billion.
“Beauharnois-Salaberry’s organizations are working hard to meet the needs, but they’re stretched to the limit. The lack of adequate funding is only making the situation worse, and it’s the most vulnerable people who are paying the price by not having adequate housing or bread on their table,” concludes Édith Gariépy, Executive Director of CDC Beauharnois-Salaberry.
