WINNIPEG, March 12, 2018 /CNW/ - When every Canadian has the opportunity for meaningful work, our middle class is stronger and our economy thrives. That's why, through Budget 2018, the Government of Canada is taking the next step to ensure that all Canadians have a fair shot at success.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, was in Winnipeg to highlight Budget 2018 investments and talk about the new Canada Workers Benefit (CWB). The CWB will put more money in the pockets of low-income workers. Building on the former Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB), the CWB will encourage more people to join the workforce, and offer real help to more than two million Canadians who are working hard to join the middle class, while raising around 70,000 Canadians out of poverty.
With almost $1 billion in new funding starting in 2019, the proposed CWB will increase both maximum benefits and the income level at which the benefit is entirely phased out. As a result, a low-income worker earning $15,000 could receive up to almost $500 more from the CWB in 2019. Unlike the old WITB, everyone who can benefit from the new CWB will receive it even if they do not claim it when they file their taxes.
By continuing to invest in the middle class and those working hard to join it, the Government of Canada is ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to fully contribute to the Canadian economy, leading to economic growth that everyone.
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"Ensuring everyone can take part in and benefit from our country's economic growth is key to strengthening the middle class and helping those working hard to join it. An enhanced Canada Workers Benefit will ensure more Canadians have a fair shot at success."
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
"When low income families are transitioning into the workforce, having some extra money in their pocket can a mean a lot to staying employed - providing stability at their most vulnerable time."
– Marileen Bartlett, Executive Director, Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development Inc. (CAHRD)
Related Products
- Budget Plan
- Budget Speech
- Introducing the Canada Workers Benefit Backgrounder
- Equality and Growth Backgrounder
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
For media enquiries, please contact: Matt Pascuzzo, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P., Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, [email protected], 819-654-5613; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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