Liberal leader Dougald Lamont is promising to let social assistance recipients keep more of their benefits as they transition to work if elected in the October 3 election.

Lamont announced Thursday that they will reform the Employment Income Assistance system by ending penalties for work and ensuring people who want to work will have access to the resources they need.

“Manitoba’s Employment Income Assistance (EIA) system has barely changed in more than 35 years. Instead of being designed to lift people out of poverty and be more self-sufficient, Manitoba’s EIA program has been designed to punish people in poverty,” said Manitoba Liberal Party Leader and MLA for St. Boniface Dougald Lamont.

Lamont is also promising to commit to implementing a guaranteed dignified income (minicome) for people over 60 and those living with severe mental or physical disabilities.