Originally Posted By: IndyIan
So what's the solution?
Its been established that staying home and collecting welfare pays more than minimum wage in many places. Plus then they have free time to do something that pays very well?
It seems they are following market theory perfectly!
The solution is to police it to where it is uncomfortable to remain on it for any length of time. And there should be a maximum period of time somebody is allowed to be on it.
They shouldn't just get a cheque and are free to do whatever they want with it. Food should be paid for with a special card that only works at participating grocery stores (like an Interac card) and has a limit relative to the number of people in the household.
If they are staying in housing, utilities are included (heat, hydro). There is no cable TV and no Internet. If they want to use a computer on the web, the Library has plenty, as do places like Chapters.
If they are renting, all of the above is setup with assistance and is billed to and paid directly by them. They are not provided with a cheque.
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Raising the minimum wage and legalizing pot seems to be an easy solution to try atleast.
Our minimum wage is what, $10/hour now? That's not unreasonable.
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Removing all social assistance produces something like India, or maybe South Africa. Not places I want to visit, let alone live.
Certainly. I don't want the assistance to be removed. I want it properly regulated, which it isn't.
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Also I don't think social assistance is really enough to live comfortably on in Ontario atleast. I suspect most people on it, aren't really having a great time, and would rather have a job and do something useful.
But there aren't enough legal jobs anymore, so welfare and minor crime isn't a bad option for someone with no chance of getting hired for anything.
Living on assistance is comfortable enough when you get your housing provided for free and a cheque for not lifting a finger. Remember, a family gets a lot more than an individual, which is why you'll find that the biggest offenders in terms of taking advantage of this are indeed couples that have popped out a bunch of babies so that they get more money.
My wife is job hunting now that the kids are all in school. There are plenty of openings in town with places like Tim Hortons (remember, we have 14 of them!), Costco, Walmart, Sobeys, Canadian Tire, JYSK, Sears, Great Canadian Superstore, No Frills, Mr. Sub, Subway.....etc ALL hiring. There are plenty of jobs. They may not pay great, but they are out there for those willing to apply and work.
