[Futurework] Fw: Reality Internet

[Ed Weick]

The following exchange is from another list in which the poor and working poor discuss their problems and those who are in a position to try to help them.  Many of the problems arise out of the difficulty of accessing Canadian federal and Ontario programs, and the meanness of those programs.  The messages say, in various forms, that if you are down and under there isn't much you can do to get up and out.  "OW" is "Ontario Works", a program that makes welfare recipients work for the money they receive, which may not be bad in concept, but which is often very bad in application. The official line of the Government of Ontario is that "Ontario Works is working. Since 1995, approximately 600,000 people have left the welfare system, with savings to taxpayers of more than $13-billion."  It doesn't say whether the people who have left the welfare system have found jobs or have simply fallen out of any system. Some of you may find the exchange interesting. Ed Weick   ----- Original Message ----- From: Poverty Matters To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2003 6:48 PM Subject: Re: [ow-watch-l] Seperation papers.. Sorry for the misinformation, She Is not a client. I am a person in poverty as well I am on OW. Doing my community placement( workfare).   However The story gets more interesting she worked for a federal government department, for over three years as a indeterminate employee. her and a co-worker who had worked for over 6 years  were laid off due to lack of work. We have since learned they have hired someone else to do the work they said they didn't have.  I think your right she should probably visit the local legal clinic. Thanks so much for all the information every one.  Anything else would be very welcomed   Maxine ----- Original Message ----- From: Reuel Amdur To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2003 6:30 PM Subject: Re: [ow-watch-l] Seperation papers.. Get her to her local legal clinic right away.  Also, she may be able to apply for welfare in the interim if she is eligible otherwise. ----- Original Message ----- From: Poverty Matters To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2003 10:10 AM Subject: [ow-watch-l] Seperation papers.. Hi All, I have low -income person who has been let go, and has been waiting since may 9th for separation papers and vacation Pay. No one is answering her requests for assistance. She is in jeopardy of becoming homeless unless she has this months rent. Anyone know what if anything she can do?  She is desperate   Thanks Maxine