Revitalizing Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion

Abstract

introduced a poverty reduction and social inclusion strategy that was subsequently enhanced by the 2011 Poverty Reduction Strategy Act and the 2012 creation of a Workforce Development and Income Support Division. Manitoba's Strategy for Sustainable Employment and a Stronger Labour Market is not a static program. It comprises a series of key actions to be undertaken through 2015 and beyond which attempt to reduce poverty, encourage employment and smooth the transition "from assistance to independence" (Government of Manitoba n.d.:6). The purpose of this article is to explore the potential of three different policies to achieve the poverty reduction and social inclusion goals articulated in this strategy -raising minimum wages, introducing a guaranteed annual income (GAI) and introducing an earned income tax credit (EITC) that builds on the very small working income tax benefit that already exists at the federal level in Canada. These three policies have been at the forefront of recent debates on poverty alleviation in the post-recession period.The article is organized as follows: first, we suggest that the fundamental approach of the provincial strategy is well founded, and that any approach to poverty reduction and social inclusion ought to consider the impact on current employment as well as future employability for all Manitobans.