So, Surrey MLA Jagrup Brar will be going on welfare. I wish him well.
In 2010 I was laid off my job as a supervisor. First I was on EI for a year. Then I had to apply for welfare.
To apply for welfare you go online and then wait for a call, and if you miss your call you wait all over again.
Then you go and stand in line with your paperwork for up to three hours before you get a number to sit inside and wait to be called up to speak to someone.
Having a bad back disc disease, I can’t stand for any length of time and I’m 60 years old and not able to work.
Inside, when you finally see someone, they (in the Surrey-Newton office) talk down to you and are very rude.
You should see how long mothers with children and the elderly have to wait outside for everyone to look at us like we are bums.
I met some very nice people in line who helped me with where to go for food and help. Thanks to the SAFER program, as of this month, I am off welfare. It has been a nightmare to get $600 a month I had to beg for.
Mr. Brar, good luck. Hope you enjoy your $610.
And you can see for yourself how the system works, and not having any hope.
And good luck to all the people in line... good luck to all of you.
Kathy Powell