I have spoken about this at length in the House. Right now, there are repayment plans if you receive an overpayment. However, the Member is correct. If someone starts working, their benefits are cut off because they are over the threshold, and then, if they lose their job, that could create immediate financial hardship or the cut-off could result in them having to pay thousands of dollars in rent and utilities and fuel, if it's in the middle of winter, and they might not be able to afford that, so I have committed to looking into the possibility of phasing benefits out. That is a long-term discussion. It would take a lot of research. It would take legislative changes, but I have committed to this House that I am looking into that kind of stuff.
R.J. Simpson on Question 152-19(2): Income Assistance Issues
In the Legislative Assembly on March 5th, 2020. See this statement in context.
Question 152-19(2): Income Assistance Issues
Oral Questions
March 5th, 2020
Page 526
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