B.C.’s Two-year Welfare Cut Off Challenged

A coalition of community and anti-poverty organizations has banded together to contest the government of British Columbia’s policy limiting social assistance eligibility to two-years. Many provinces have reduced eligibility and lowered benefit levels during the past decade. BC is, however, the first jurisdiction in Canada to attempt to place a time limit on social assistance eligibility. The provision allows for the withdrawal of benefits as of April 1, 2004.

The groups challenging the time limits plan to argue that the policy violates rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as well as international treaties. Because of its potential impact on social assistance policy in other jurisdictions, governments and advocacy groups across Canada are monitoring the case closely.

For more information, please visit: http://www.bcpiac.com/pub/newsReleases/newsRel_Index.html

Source: United Ways of Ontario's Government Relations Bulletin - Issue dd Nov. 7, 2003

* New Government, New Ministries, and New Committees
* McGuinty Moves Swiftly to Tackle Deficit
* Food Banks Struggle with Growing Hunger
* Study Cites Factors Driving Dramatic increase in Children’s Aid Cases
* Ontario to End Hydro Rate Freeze
* Commission Seeks Removal of Barriers for Disabled Students
* B.C.’s Two-Year Welfare Cut-off Challenged

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Page last updated Nov. 7, 2003