B.C. debit card for welfare payments

Community Action, Feb 20, 2008

The B.C. government will issue direct-debit cards to more than 20,000 welfare recipients who don't have a bank account.

Each month, the government will load the welfare payments on to the debit cards, which can be used at any ATM or commercial outlet. Jean Swanson of the Carnegie Community Action Project has complained to the Information and Privacy Commissioner that the government might track the transactions of recipients. The Commissioner's office has expressed interest.

Swanson said that the program should be voluntary. She also points out that the welfare recipients need to have their money in $5 and $10 bills, not in 20s as is usually issued by the machines.

At the same time, the government is trying to encourage more welfare recipients to participate in the government's direct deposit program. They are offering backpacks, gloves and a toque for those who sign on.