WHEREAS in April 2002 the provincial government announced new welfare legislation in the Employment and Assistance Act and outlined a program of welfare restructuring that includes cuts to benefits and tightening of eligibility rules; AND WHEREAS the changes to welfare effectively download provincial responsibility for people in need onto municipal governments: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities call on the provincial government to change the Employment and Assistance Act to ensure that welfare benefits meet the basic needs of individuals and families; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities urge the provincial government to end the centralization of employment and assistance field services, so as to prevent barriers to assistance access by keeping physical services within the local community.
MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCES The Ministry of Human Resources MHR has 112 offices around the province and is continuing to deliver essential programs and services to our clients through the use of new technology and more efficient practices. The majority of MHR services can be provided over the phone or on-line. Clients who live in areas where there is no office are being served effectively through these means. By providing our services in a more efficient way, we are making sure that taxpayer dollars are directed toward those most in need. The ministrys income assistance programs are working. We are meeting the needs of people on income assistance by providing basic support and shelter and assisting people who are able to work to get jobs. People with disabilities receive the highest rate of assistance available.