I am spending YOUR tax dollars

The welfare system in Canada works this way. Not everyone qualifies but those that do receive a basic allowance (capped) helps them to pay for shelter and food. If someone has special circumstances like children or a disability there is additional support. The welfare system in Canada is designed to support the ‘basic’ needs only. Everyone is encouraged to make money and they are allowed to do so with out reduction of the allowance until they can make enough to support themselves. Abuses can occur if people do not report earning, falsify document income or living expenses which can result in denial of benefits/fraudulent charges depending on the severity. People can spend money on things they shouldn’t whether they are working or not and the result of the action is the same. Spending money on booze and smokes for example when money is in short supply will result in an empty cupboard and a down spiraling journey into a sad life. Not everyone is like this however and in my mind a good conscience is a benefit too. I was texting with a friend from Denmark a few years back and he needed a life change, unemployed at his wits end so he went to school (co-op program) and now works as a male nurse. All of this was paid for (free) by the government but the cost of living there is high. He most likely will not get a newer apartment or have a car but still I thought that was a pretty good thing to have access to. Welfare cheques put money back into the economy, people are important so training or anything that makes someone advance in anyway and become active is a good investment for everyone. It is a win win. Those “milking” will suffer in the long run when they realize it is only themselves they might be hurting. Sure there are social pressures but perhaps the facts are better understood. In Ontario people are offered if they have unemployment benefits (recently laid off) some classes if they qualify to help them upgrade and reenter the employment market place. If they have not worked for a long time and qualify for welfare they are offered help with job search strategies. Yes, refusal to comply with any welfare regulations may disable welfare payments but they are not in place to force someone to study or work. It is important to see that our social systems are in place to help people and at the same time build a better economy. I don’t mind people questioning my viewpoint either. I am very proud of my country and of the people in it. Why should anyone feel ashamed because of their status? I think of people in the same way in any situation. I would rather live in a country that supports people than one that does little to help. I do agree that jobs for those that can work is a better situation for everyone but having a support system in place is better than having nothing. Without a job or a support to fall back on how do people get money? Sell their bodies? Crime? Move to the street? This is exactly how some countries look after their peoples.

If I weren't so heavily in debt I would probably consider school. Is there specific programs that employ people on welfare? I know my husband works part time and his job is secure. I admit I have a BlackBerry myself, I got it free with a 3-year contract and I'm always carrying it with me because of specialist appointments, social workers, doctor appointments, itinerant teachers - my kids are also disabled and require educational and medical support, so I'm constantly in touch with everyone that way. We don't go to a food bank, though. I did have a couple of food bank volunteers (these were people we knew but we dont go to food banks or anything) complain that people come in with car keys and BlackBerries and I suppose those instances made me feel really uncomfortable as well. I didn't say in the conversation but I sure felt judged. Then I think about going without things as well.... We have a car because Hubby needs it for work. He has a basic cell phone because he's on call during the whole day at his work.