I do think Income Assistance is notorious for causing its recipients undue stress and hardship. I should know. I go through it every day of my life. I am not the only one either. The stress that they put people through is probably enough to fill several therapists' wallets. I am facing being denied some basic services such as a phone. If I have a medical emergency, how am I supposed to be able to call 9-1-1? I have been up all night physically ill from the stress of being denied transportation by Income Assistance. I have that on my hospital record. It is proof of the stress I was caused by being denied certain services by Income Assistance,  a denial of certain human rights. I have a learning disability that prevents me from finding standard traditional work so I write for publications. It is the only 'employment' I can find. I created my own work. Now I have a bibliography and if anyone wants me to write for them, feel free to contact me.

Recipients of Income Assistance are forced to use food banks, probably can't afford dental care, or a phone. They are being denied what are likely basic human rights. This is unacceptable and there should be something done about it but that is not the case. The system keeps them this way rather than helping them get off the system. The system wants to hinder the recipients. They would rather have them struggling. It keeps the caseworkers working, etc. The bus passes discount for those on low income was a small start in the right direction. I hope that program continues. I hear the new program for those on low income to receive free bus passes is continually postponed. I believe that is because they don't want to lose coveted revenue.

The future for recipients of Income Assistance won't brighten until they finally relent and 1. Increase their rental rates and become realistic, 2. Allocate more allowance for their recipients to have enough money to survive on per month, 3. Make transportation more affordable and possible and 4. Stop forcing their recipients to prove why they need a phone. Everyone needs a phone. If there is a medical emergency, and my phone allowance is taken away from me, then I have the right to hold someone criminally negligent and liable.

I hope this insanity can be cured. —Heddy