CTV NEWS MONTREAL

A Quebec anti-poverty group is worried about a provincial program that imposes financial penalties on welfare applicants who fail to look for work.

As of April 1, first-time welfare recipients are losing a portion of their monthly allotment if they do not intensively search for work, undergo job training and develop social skills.

Until this month the basic welfare cheque for one person was $648 per month.

Now, people who are eligible will get an extra $165 per month if they undergo training. If they do not, their payment will be cut by $224, to $424 a month.
Serge Petitclerc, a spokesman for a coalition of 30 Quebec organizations, says helping people find work is a good idea but they should not be forced to participate and be threatened with penalties.

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