Social Assistance and Refugee Claimants

refugee claimants: Its completely mean-minded, NDP MP Craig Scott said. The government is basically trying to create a strong signal to the provinces to start cutting back on social assistance to refugee claimants, according to The Star. The measure could make it harder for refugee claimants to obtain social assistance, and would change the rules governing Ottawas financial transfer payments to the provinces that help pay for social programs. Under current legislation, provincial governments are barred from setting a minimum residency requirement before a refugee claimant can qualify for welfare and Opposition MPs are accusing the federal government of putting refugees at risk in what the NDP and Liberals say is a blatant political appeal to voters who harbour suspicions of newcomers. He was responding to a controversial measure buried in the 458-page omnibus budget implementation bill tabled last week by Prime Minister Stephen Harpers government. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.