Surrey fire chief calls for staggered distribution of welfare cheques (BCCSU)

May 15, 2019

Surrey Fire Chief Len Garis says changing the timing of income assistance payments could lead to a decrease in overdoses and property crimeSurrey Fire Chief Len Garis says changing the timing of income assistance payments could lead to a decrease in overdoses and property crime. (Photo: Rafferty Baker, CBC News)

Surrey’s fire chief is adding his voice to the growing list of people who are calling for changes to the way social assistance cheques are issued in B.C.

Len Garis — who recently co-authored a report that explores the link between opiate drug overdoses, crime and income assistance in Surrey — wants to see the province stagger the days cheques are given out.

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The B.C. Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) is examining the issue and is expected to report back to the province in the coming months.

Read the full story on CBC News.