Raise the Hammer

A Smith: I see that you have stirred up a lot of emotion.

Your arguement of equating the taking of a welfare cheque is the same as stealing is somewhat lame. Sometimes people need help to see them through the rough times. But I wonder if are really looking at the system and its set up, opposed to blaming those who may find themselves having to access it.

How do we help those people who have lost their jobs, well there are a number of things we can do. There are many grassroots initiatives out there to help navigate the system, education of your rights and obligations.

For those who have lost work, will be finding themselves accessing work that is temporary or precarious in nature, thus people need to know their rights under this system as well, information is the key to ensure that you are being treated fairly. Some employers will push the limits of labour standards and the current Ontario works system does not ensure that the person making the transition from social assistance to work to be employed by reputable business. I mean look at workfare, where they force people, out to work where they do not get paid, how does that help people?

Food security is another issue that will affect the families, there are community gardens that one can access for a minimal fee to help offset food worries.

There is also a program out there for those who entertain the notion of being self employed, one can learn the basics of running a small business. It is free and one can also have the opportunity to meet others going through the same experience.

Getting invovled in the community helps, as it gives you the feeling that you are not alone, I know for myself that getting out gave me the sense of empowerment, the opportunity to learn and to share as others in the community may be worse off then you. Being alone can be detrimental to ones being and make the person feel more vulnerable.