Ontario Works recipient ‘beaten down’ by system - Brenda Dupuis

 I am a single mom and I am currently receiving Ontario Works. I also live in Sudbury Housing.

I struggle every week to provide for my family. I make less than $800 a month, and that includes my rent. I am grateful for the money that I get. However, I would like to see anyone in the government who could live on what I live on.

I, on more than one occasion, had to go without in order to just buy my kids a pair of shoes or a winter coat or even an outing at school.

(I am unable to work) because I am under doctor’s care. I have applied for permanent disability, which I have been waiting since September for an answer to.

The government has beaten us down and told us to wait for a handout every month, but when we ask for help in order to get ahead, they tell us no.

I am one of the few who are not taking advantage of the system, and am patiently waiting for my disability to come through, but can’t even afford to go to the YMCA or take a bus, because $2.50 is a loaf of bread or a box of cereal.

The government has given millions of dollars in aid to the foreign governments, but maybe they should take care of the children and adults who are starving and unable to buy the necessities of life at home.

Brenda Dupuis Greater Sudbury