Living on welfare in Ontario

The Toronto Star has published a rather insightful story about the hardships of living on welfare in Ontario. It follows two individuals, a single mother attempting to get into the University of Toronto to earn her degree in sociology, and a recovering alcoholic who is looking to get into the job market by taking computer classes. The mother lives on $1,008/mth, 80% of which goes to rent and utilities. The 57-year-old man earns $979/mth, $450 of which goes to renting an apartment (in a professor's house) and $250 for food.

The Progressive Conservative regime of Mike Harris and the current Liberal regime are rightfully criticized for their stance of welfare. After the Tories cut welfare rights by over 21% in 1995, a single mother was earning only $957/mth. After a whirlwind of rhetoric in opposition for eight years and four years of governance, the Liberals have increased this payment to $1008/mth. The paltry increases have been eaten up by inflation, and those trying to make ends meet have fallen further behind as a result. According to the Bank of Canada, a basket of goods and services worth $100 in 1995 now costs $124.16.

But don't expect any further increases. The Liberals, much like their predecessors, seem to see people on welfare as bums. They somehow think that living on welfare is more attractive than a job. "We have to be careful ... we always have to watch the welfare wall," says one Liberal.

I hate to beat a dead horse here (sorry PETA folks), but isn't this the same government that just voted themselves as 25% pay increase? Talk about politicians being out of touch with reality.