2019 Legislative Session: 4th Session, 41st Parliament

FIRST READING

The following electronic version is for informational purposes only.

The printed version remains the official version.

MS. JANE THORNTHWAITE

BILL M 208 – 2019

WELFARE PAYMENT SYSTEM REFLECTION ACT

HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, enacts as follows:

1 The Minister responsible for the processing of income assistance shall prepare a report on alternatives in payment processing to individuals receiving assistance.

2 The report must consider but is not limited to considering the following:

(

a) providing welfare, disability assistance or other income assistance in multiple payments throughout a month as opposed to single monthly payment,

(

b) alternative payment systems that enable responsible spending of assistance.

3 The Ministers conducting this consultation must consult with, but are not limited to consulting the following:

(

a) the Union of British Columbia Municipalities,

(

b) individuals receiving welfare, disability assistance or other income assistance,

(

c) groups advocating for those receiving welfare, disability assistance or other income assistance.

4 The Minister shall prepare a report and deliver it to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia within twelve months of Royal Assent.

5 This Act comes into force on the date of Royal Assent.

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