Talking about money is not easy. This is especially the time to disclose your income. Tommy Bouchard and Andrea Dufour have three children: William, three, Osian, one, and the youngest Mallya, one month. Apart from family allowances, they can count on an income of 35 to 40,000 dollars per year. The new dad currently receives benefits from the Quebec Parental Insurance Program (QPIP) in addition to the family allowance.
Reviewing the grocery cart
A gradual rise in prices came. For months, they had to rethink their grocery shopping routine. Instead of buying beef, like beef, we buy pork. […] You can do both for the price of one. You freeze one and make your dinner with the other
, the father explains. They also go to the Moisson d’Alma community grocery store.
We do what we can, not what we want
Tommy agreed with Bouchard.
Andrea Dufour assures, there is always food on the table. But getting there isn’t always easy.
Sometimes you just have to decide that you’re going to skip the electricity bill this month so you can eat.
Mother mentions.
Prioritize certain purchases
Everything you need to dress up your kids can be found at La Nichée d’Alma. The thrift store is free, says director Diane Tanguay. However, parents who shop there should stock up on clothes only for their children.
” They can come shopping, leave with a big bag, a small bag, it doesn’t matter. »
General Manager of La Nichée, Diane Tanguay.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Larry Gobeel
With three children, Andrea and Tommy’s expenses must be considered. Some are primary. For example, little Osian was recently given new shoes.
For her, she’d better get a good grip on her ankles, because she’s hyper. She is normally quite flexible. […] So, we bought him better quality shoes than say William.
As far as leisure time is concerned, parents choose family activities instead of couple activities so that everyone can enjoy them.
Go back to work?
The question was inevitable. Many will want to know why Andrea hasn’t returned to the job market.
Andrea replied that the couple had been living in the area for about a year. They actually found a daycare spot for their son William, but little Osian was born. The mother says that it is difficult to find a place for the child.
I thought why keep her and send her to day care. Finally, Mallya comes, so it becomes impossible
Andrea says with a smile.
Three-year-old William is the eldest of the family.
Photo: Radio-Canada
Work by the sweat of your brow [à la maison] At least you’ll have fun
Tommy Bouchard in a nutshell.
Parents less fortunate to use La Nichée’s services sometimes face prejudice, notes Diane Tanguay. Take time to listen and watch properly, says the director. The family is the main focus of the child. The child, where he finds himself best, is with his parents. Sometimes parents have preferences.
what to do ?
In Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, 12,000 people live below the minimum income threshold. The most recent data from the Institut de la statistique du Québec is from 2019.
The director of La Nichée believes there is a surefire way to help families like Tommy and Andrea’s. Support community organizations. We are a social safety net to help these people, says Diane Tanguay. When we make requests on our Facebook: “We are looking for such a deal. Get your networks working, and more.” This is how you can help us.
State aid
The Coalition for a Poverty-Free Quebec sees things differently.
” Society, pardon the expression, does not have to play the guitar behind the government’s failures. »
Serge Petitclerc is a spokesperson and political analyst for the Coalition for a Quebec without Poverty.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Anne-Sophie Roy
First, people need to have money in their pockets to meet their needs, says spokesman Serge Petitlerc. Be it through tax incentives, income support, government intervention, rent controls, rate hikes, etc., at least for the state, the companies are under our control.
Finance Minister Eric Girard’s office responded that the government used the anti-inflation shield last fall. This has freed up Quebecers in many ways, notably thanks to the government’s increase in rates to 3%.
, writes Claudia Loupret, Press Secretary to the Minister of Finance. He also recalled that the government had given a lump sum on two occasions. Some Quebecers received $1,100.
A consultation is underway
For its part, the Ministry of Employment and Social Cohesion (MESS) says consultation is underway to prepare the next government action plan for economic inclusion and social participation.
The MESS A program of more than one billion dollars has been used for social enterprises, with 80% of the amount intended to directly support their work until 2027.
Beyond political opinions, between juniors’ drinks and bills to pay, Tommy and Andrea anticipate a drop in consumer prices.
It’s funny, but the diapers, it took us three diapers and it cost 70 dollars. $70. It’s nothing but diapers!
Explains Tommy Bouchard.
The couple is taking things one day at a time and focusing on their biggest assets: William, Ocean and Mallya.
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