The idea of "welfare queens" is something of a myth. In truth, while there are welfare cheats (and they are prosecuted for fraud), virtually no one wants to be on welfare.
In an economy like the present getting those who can work jobs will be tough -- especially recognising subsidised jobs undercut the jobs of employed taxpayers. But the goal is worthy.
It is better for everyone for those on welfare to come off into decent jobs. But to say people who can't find a job today are 'lazy' -- here 'satisfied' -- is just not right. Recently I listened to someone who worked in the auto sector for years. She had high school and her job was good. She's not on welfare - yet - but she's working three part time jobs and still faces bankruptcy.
Friday's job figure do not look to be pretty.
Now, it may be politic to suggest lowering taxes by limiting welfare. But sometimes things that are politic are not right.
PC candidate calls for end to welfare 'lifestyle'
Rob Ferguson The Toronto Star, June 4, 2009
Ontario needs limits on how long people can collect welfare to stop families staying on it for "generations," says Progressive Conservative leadership candidate Randy Hillier.
"There are people who are satisfied with that lifestyle," the first-term MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington told the Star yesterday as he and three rivals continued campaigning for the June 27 vote at a convention in Markham - where the candidates will hold a debate tonight.
The problem is there are not enough "expectations" that people get off social assistance, which should be a temporary aid, Hillier said.
...
The average length of time recipients stay on welfare in Ontario is 18months, according to the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Ontario has no limit on how long recipients can remain on welfare, provided they meet eligibility criteria, although the program is designed as a temporary support that currently helps about 95,000 families.
James Morton
1100-5255 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
M2N 6P4
416 225 2777
2 comments:
Do you have access to the figures to determine what percentage of recipients are single women with children? Just curious. . .
Would that include tax breaks, subsidies, etc. to farmers - especially when they have a bad year?
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