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Decision '19.

The leader of the P.E.I. Greens said the party is committed to protect the security and dignity of all Islanders.

Peter Bevan-Baker said many Islanders are not reaping the benefits of P.E.I.’s economic growth and said more than one-third of the party’s proposed new spending in the first year of a Green government is earmarked for social services.

The proposed programs include an immediate increase to the housing subsidy rate, food rate and personal allowance rate, which have not kept up with increased costs over the years, he said.

“Islanders should not be forced to choose between rent and food.”

The party has also committed to creating a client-centred approach for social services by conducting a “red tape review” of all social, family and disability support services.

Bevan-Baker said the current system creates barriers for those who are trying to become self-sufficient.

“By denying people assistance until they are almost destitute, social services fails to help clients achieve their full potential,” he said.

“In many ways, what began as a social safety net has become a spider’s web where the most vulnerable are trapped in chronic poverty.”

Other Green party commitments include: