Working Within the Rules

The ministry fulfils an important function as the entity responsible for the delivery of the BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA) program, which includes the administration of income and disability assistance in the province. [...] Where the policy and not receive assistance in the previous month the legislation conflict, the legislation was ineligible for the earnings exemption for a must be followed.22 one-month period, while under the Regulation, only those who submitted an application for In this case, the legislation does not impose income assistance Part 2 form were required a one-month waiting period for the earnings [...] Recommendation 2: Immediately revise the section of the BCEA Policy and Procedure Manual that relates to the earnings exemption to accord with and give effect to the language in the Employment and Assistance Regulation. [...] Finding 4: A waiting period for the earnings exemption for clients who did not receive assistance in the previous month because their net income exceeded their rate of assistance is unreasonable because it runs counter to the objectives of the BC Employment and Assistance program and the legislative objectives of the income assistance scheme. [...] R2: Immediately revise the section of the BCEA Policy & Procedure manual that relates to the earnings exemption to accord with and give effect to the language in the Employment and Assistance Regulation.