POVERTY STARTS AT LICO AND SO SHOULD LOW-INCOME TRANSIT

311 Call to Action

Tell alderman not to leave people behind
On Wednesday, December 5th, at 9:30 am, City Councils Standing Policy Committee on Community and Protective Services will be hearing from citizens about why they Citys Low Income subsidy programs like the low-income transit

pass need to help all citizens. Children are staying home from school and single
mothers cannot afford to get to work. We need your voice to help the people being left behind. We are asking you to call or write your alderman and tell them
Fair Fares Calgary fairfarescalgary1.blogspot.ca fairfarescalgary1@gmail.com

It is time for equity. Our City can do better. Call 403.268.2430 to talk to your alderman.

Not all people living below the poverty line (including youth) qualify for the Low-Income Transit Pass.
Our City can do better than the status quo.

1. Have one form for all of the Citys reduced fees programs and services. 2. More places to apply for the reduced fee programs. 3. Make sure all the Citys reduced fee programs start at the 100% of the poverty line. (100% pre-tax low-income cut off. (Currently the eligibility for the Low Income Transit Pass be raised from 75% to 100% of before tax LICO) 4. Pay what you can: Use a sliding scale because some people have less income. 5. Start the sliding scale for transit at of the adult fare. 6. Make a Household pass to help low-income families. 7. All people who currently receive a low-income subsidy be grand parented at the rate they currently pay in 2012 for transit. 8. The reduced fees programs include people from ages 7-64. 9. A single ride reduced fee be introduced when people cannot afford a pass.

Join us!
On Wednesday, December 5th, starting at 9:30 am, City Councils Standing Policy Committee on Community and Protective Services will be reviewing the Citys Low Income subsidy programs in the Old City Hall building. Please call or write your alderman to help the Low Income Transit pass program. Or join us at the Standing Policy Committee to tell your story http://www.calgary.ca/Aldermen/Pages/WardOffices/Ward-Communities.aspx

What is Fair Fares Calgary? fairfarescalgary1@gmail.com

We are a group of citizens living on low-income, community organizers and service providers working towards an affordable city for all. Calgarians need to get around our city. We have been active since 2001. What we do Raise awareness of public transportation issues facing people living on low-income. Educate about the public transportation subsidies available to Calgarians living with low-income. Collect ideas and stories to improve transportation programs. On Wednesday, December 5th Fair Fares will recommend the following to City Council:

 The eligibility for the Low Income Transit Pass be raised from 75% to 100% of before tax LICO in January 2013. The City sets up a sliding fee scale pilot project for the Low Income Transit Pass in 2013. The sliding fee scale start at 50% of the regular adult transit pass and be reduced further according to an individuals income. That the sliding fee scale be applied to single fares. That all members of low-income households be eligible for subsidies. Low-income youth between the ages of 7 17 should be eligible for the Low income Transit pass effective January 2013. All people who currently have a low-income subsidy keep their rate they currently pay in 2012 for transit. Call To Action: On December 5th, starting at 9:30 am, City Councils Standing Policy Committee on Community and Protective Services will receive a report with no action to help Calgarians live with dignity. If you believe in affordable public transportation, please call or write your alderman about the need for changes to the Low-Income Transit pass program and join us at the Standing Policy Committee meeting to tell them why. Address letters to the chair of the committee Alderman John Mar and your alderman http://www.calgary.ca/Aldermen/Pages/Ward-Offices/Ward-Communities.aspx Lets make sure everyone can afford to get on the bus. Thank you for your help!

CALGARY SUBSIDIES PROGRAMS WEBLINKS TO CITY SUBSIDIES OR CALL 311 To learn about the Fair Calgary Policy, click here http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/CNS/Pages/Social-research-policy-andresources/Fair-Calgary-Policy.aspx Adult Low-Income Pass The lowincome transit pass is for a single person age 18-64 Iiving below $17,473.50 (75% of 2011 LICO) When you apply you will need last year's income tax assessment and picture id. Transit Application: http://www.calgarytransit.com/html/low_monthly_income_pass. html Picture ID: Phone Katie Wolfe at 1.403-410-1939 email id@calgaryunitedway.org or call Calgary Legal Guidance. The United Way website also has a "Do it yourself id kit." http://www.calgaryunitedway.org/main/images/Documents/DIY%20ID%2 0Guide.pdf Income Tax Assessment Call Revenue Canada at 1800.959.8281 if: You have reduced mobility a volunteer to come to your home. You have lost your tax assessment

For free income tax preparation visit: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/vlntr/clncs/calgary-ab-eng.html Call 211 for your local resource centre if you need help with forms. Property Tax Assistance program is closed for the 2011 program year.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 program, however applications cannot be reviewed until after the 2012 Property Tax Bills are delivered, usually in late May. Application reviews will begin June 1, 2012. City of Calgary page http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/CNS/Pages/Seniors/Property-Tax-AssistanceProgram.aspx No Cost Spay/Neuter Program The City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services accepts applications for the No Cost Spay/Neuter Program which provides free spay and neuter surgery for cats and dogs of eligible low income Calgarians. http://calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Pages/Animal-Services/No-cost-spayneuter-program.aspx Recreational Fee Assistance Program: The Fee Assistance Program offers low income Calgarians subsidized access to City of Calgary registered recreation programs and admissions to Aquatics & Fitness centres, Leisure centres and golf courses. The Fee Assistance card is also honoured at 12 Calgary based participating organizations http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Recreation/Pages/Fee-assistance/Home.aspx Seniors City Links Home Maintenance Services is for Seniors Living on a low income, Unable to do basic house or yard work and without family or community assistance. Call 3-1-1 or call the City Links office Monday Friday, 8 a.m. 4 p.m. at 403-974-3112. http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/CNS/Pages/Seniors/City-Links/HomeMaintenance-Services.aspx