Social Policy in Ontario

When employed, people get by all right. But when they are on welfare, they are truly in dire straits. Today, more Ontarians are forced to try and eke out and manage a dignified existence when stuck on Ontario Works. Plainly speaking, despite all its intents and purposes, welfare is a trap.

Downloading and cutbacks have discontinued many “discretionary” benefits, such as eyeglasses, hearing aids and orthotics. How is anybody supposed to get a job without these fundamental health-care devices? No astute employer would ever hire anyone who limps around, has trouble hearing, and can’t see very well — that’s just basic stuff that gives away one’s poor performance potential upon first impression.

Then, there is the lack of transportation funding to get to those job interviews.

They are relatively inexpensive, but very necessary.

Timothy Donnelly, Kitchener

< http://www.therecord.com/opinion-story/4369828-give-more-to-the-poor/ >