Removing Welfare Barriers in Manitoba
The author describes how SEED Winnipeg helped changed welfare regulations in Manitoba that were an impediment to self-employment. SEED Winnipeg is a nonprofit organization which helps low-income people find work by starting their own small business or by participating in the establishment of a community-based business. As a result of SEED Winnipeg”s efforts, Manitoba welfare legislation now allows recipients to stay on welfare for up to 52 weeks while getting their businesses going. Relevant expenses are taken into account in calculating the net income of the business. Recipients also can retain a portion of the income from the business before their welfare allowances are reduced. These changes enable people to ensure that another source of income (i.e., from employment) is in place before they move off welfare.
ISBN – 1-894159-06-3