Recreation program expands
A program designed to increase access at Powell River Recreation Complex for lower-income residents of the region is now open.
In September, City of Powell River council approved the expansion of the city’s existing recreation financial assistance program.
Under the old program, people receiving social assistance and members of their family were eligible. With the new program, people meeting the Statistics Canada Low-Income Measure (LIM) guidelines and their family members will be eligible.
The new program also increases the number of available passes from 20 to 52 per year for each household resident.
To enrol in the program confidentially, the city is asking those who qualify under the LIM to bring proof of their income and residency to the recreation complex.
Feds extend family leave benefits
Changes to Canada’s employment insurance program for family benefits have been announced.
New parents planning to begin their leave on or after December 3 will be able to spread 12 months of employment insurance benefits over 18 months.
According to federal social development minister Jean-Yves Duclos, the change, combined with the recent increase to the child benefit rate, is designed to give families more flexibility and help the economy.
Duclos also announced a family caregiver benefit added to the Employment Insurance program that will provide up to 15 weeks for support of a critically ill adult family member, or 35 weeks for a critically ill child.
