Bill paves way for welfare recipients to get adult education

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This article was published 05/12/2023 (997 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The NDP government has introduced legislation that would make adult education an option for Manitobans who receive Employment and Income Assistance.

“Education is one of the best ways to help people break through barriers to employment and create new opportunities for themselves,” Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine said in a press release.

Bill 6, the Manitoba Assistance Amendment Act, would amend the act to highlight adult education as an option for EIA recipients who are required to participate in employment enhancement measures as per the rules.

“These changes would make sure Manitobans receiving EIA can set themselves up for the future without losing the supports they count on right now,” the minister said.

Under current legislation, some Manitobans enrolled in EIA must meet work expectations to remain eligible for full benefits.

Required employment enhancement measures or supportive programming vary based on the category of enrolment and the individual’s personal circumstances, the government press release said.

The proposed amendments would require adult education to be considered as a legitimate path to work for Manitobans who get provincial payments.

While it is standard practice for EIA staff to work with recipients to plan steps towards financial independence, the new legislation would help ensure all Manitobans could access the opportunity by requiring educational or vocational training programs to be considered in these assessments, the release said.