Discussions

Re:The poverty issues discussed in Brandon as on CKLQ news.  
Gord McIntosh says he doesn't want to increase social assistance rates and wants to get people to work. We are for the most part aware that there is abuse of the system and those who are able, should indeed by working. However, there are many who are not able to do so. And perhaps many who find themselves at least temporarily unable to work, may be able to get there quicker if given some dignity along the way to help. e.g. A single mom, emerging from an abusive situation is feeling badly enough in many ways, without the inhumane treatment by the system. They are actually punished for being punished. And is it really so bad if she stays home to attend to the needs of the child/children who would be experiencing emotional pain due to circumstances causing this. The choices are severely limited as to where they live, what food they can afford, etc., etc. It would be interesting to compare what the food allowance is for a family in dire circumstance with those in jail.  
Again, no one wants this to be misused, however why punish those who are really in need? Perhaps even being able to obtain a haircut, and decent clothing would give the moral a boost to feel worthwhile enough to search for work.