Carl DeLine

Stung by a report showing hundreds of Calgarians seeking food hampers last November had no income, the provincial Social Services Department has announced a package of new measures to help the hungry.

Deputy Social Services Minister Michael Ozerkevich said the new measures are designed to cut waiting times, help people get prompt emergency assistance and insure that claimants get all benefits to which they are entitled.

Ozerkevich told reporters at least 20 additional social service workers will be hired on a temporary basis to speed handling of the new claims.

He said they will be told to make plea to new applicants and current claimants what benefits they may obtain.

Ozerkevich conceded there are problems with the existing welfare system. But he added “concrete practical action” is being taken to tighten up procedures and improve communications.

Government pamphlets on welfare will also be distributed through the food bank, along with a manual on the system, prepared by the Edmonton Social Planning Council.

Ozerkevich, who is consulting local food bank and other volunteer agency officials under orders from Social Services Minister Connie Osterman, ruled out a review of welfare rates.

He said the department regularly monitors cost-of-living information.

One aim of the reforms is to ease the burden on the food bank, which has been struggling to keep up with the rising demand for hampers.

Carl DeLine, who attended a meeting this week with Ozerkevich and officials from 10 other Calgary aid agencies, said he hoped the moves would lighten the food bank’s load.

At present, people seeking social assistance can wait up to a week for an appointment at some neighborhood offices and several weeks at the downtown single men’s hostel. As of Monday this week, hostel workers were booking appointments for July 3.

Originally published June 20, 1986 by the Regina Leader-Post (Regina, SK), credited to The Canadian Press.