Taking better care

Paul Dewar talks to the Tyee.

Poverty is best fought by making sure people get the money and support they need, he said. He suggests taking all the benefits that are already provided for seniors, children and families and bundling them into one program. "It would have an impact immediately," he said, noting it would require coordination with the provinces.

Asked if that amounts to a "guaranteed annual income," he said calling it that and presenting it as a new program would scare people. Reorganizing programs that already exist would be more likely to find support, he said.