Friday April 25, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC [Updated April 26, 2025]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
With just three days left in the federal election campaign period, the Green Party of Canada today placed elimination of poverty in the front window.
With this discussion they hope to attract any undecided voters who are looking past the ‘fear factor’ of voting for a party to deal with US economic threats.
Greens in the House of Commons will fight for poverty elimination, said Green Co-Leader Elizabeth May today in Victoria.
While all four political parties in this election have presented various ideas for improving economic conditions for Canadians, only the Greens stand by a full Guaranteed Livable Income (GLI). In pilot projects, GLI has provided relief while people reset their financial, economic or social conditions
Three components:
Three components to that part of the Green platform were articulated today by May (who is also the incumbent in Saanich-Gulf Islands) and candidate Paul Manly (Nanaimo-Ladysmith):
- Canada Disability Benefit
- Guaranteed Livable Income
- Homelessness Prevention
Guaranteed Livable Income:
Calling it a transformative solution, the Greens highlighted a Guaranteed Livable Income as a way to fully abolish poverty.
“Guaranteed Livable Income is rooted in compassion, fairness and evidence,” said May today.
She said that a Guaranteed Livable Income initiative would not require legislation but just political will and a line item in the federal budget.
She noted that the NDP have also been addressing this topic. The NDP have been specific about revising the Employment Insurance system. May points out that EI would not be required if a full Guaranteed Livable Income were established.
If there is a basic floor of support below which no Canadian can fall, that would reduce or eliminate many other problems including homelessness, mental health challenges, and poor health.
Canada Disability Benefit:
Meanwhile, the Greens also call for an increase in the maximum Canada Disability Benefit (which is currently $200 per month).
“Ending poverty makes for a stronger Canada, and today, more than ever, we need a strong Canada,” said May at her press conference in Victoria this morning.
“People with disabilities in Canada are disproportionately living in poverty,” said May.
Homelessness Prevention:
The Green Party is committed to creating a new, consistent Homelessness Prevention and Eradication Fund of $3.5 billion annually to cut chronic homelessness in half. That would include:
- Expanding investments in Housing First programs and wraparound services – ensuring those experiencing homelessness have access to permanent housing along with mental health care, harm reduction and addition recovery supports.
- Increasing municipal funding for emergency shelters and transitional housing, so cities can count on long-term stable federal support.
- Expanding the Rapid Housing Initiative to accelerate the creation of supportive housing across the country.
Voting on Monday:
The 45th general federal election is on Monday April 28, 2025.
There was a strong turnout for advance voting during April 18 to 21, approximately 25% of the 28.9 million eligible electors in Canada.
Voting places will be open 9 am to 9 pm local time, within 344 electoral areas across Canada.
Greens after April 28:
Elizabeth May of course hopes she is one of about five Green MPs who will be elected on April 28 and returning in force to the House of Commons.
She has hopes for her own win in Saanich-Gulf Islands as well as Paul Manly in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, Mike Morrice in Kitchener Centre, and Party Co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault in Outrement.
===== RELATED:
NEWS SECTIONS: GREEN PARTY | FEDERAL ELECTION 2025 | CANADA-NATIONAL | VANCOUVER ISLAND