Minister Grilled About Axing Caregiver Benefit

New Brunswick’s social development minister is defending her government’s decision to axe the primary informal caregiver benefit.

The benefit, launched by the previous Liberal government last May, provided $106.25 per month to people who cared for a senior or person living with a disability.

In the legislature on Wednesday, Liberal MLA Lisa Harris — who was the seniors and long-term minister at the time — said vulnerable people are “in a mess” because they no longer have the help they need.

But social development minister Dorothy Shephard said the Liberals left the department in a mess by not providing for the affordability of the program.

“The Department of Social Development was [more than] $20 million in a deficit position at the time this government implemented the program only two months before the writ fell on an election,” said Shephard.

Money Reallocated For Wage Increases

The government reallocated the money to boost the wages of about 10,000 human services workers.

Shephard said she regrets that people have been disappointed but the government had to do the right thing for all New Brunswickers.

Harris also accused Shephard of sending out “cold, non-caring” letters informing recipients about the change.

“There was no explanation, no warning, just ‘the money you received last month is done’,” Harris said. “They didn’t take the time to talk to those who were using this money so that they could help their loved ones remain in their homes.”

Shephard said if Harris cared, the previous Liberal government would have ensured the money was there for the benefit.