Cuts to Welfare Benefits

WHEREAS the provincial government announced proposed changes to the Employment and Assistance program, specifically restructuring benefits and implementing time limits for clients who do not meet the governments exemption criteria; AND WHEREAS the provincial governments changes to the Employment and Assistance program include centralization of field offices resulting in negative effects on rural communities: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request that the provincial government change the Employment and Assistance program to ensure that the basic needs of individuals and families that are incapable of providing basic necessities for themselves are met; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the provincial government end the centralization of field offices.