The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

The Canadien Champion, Friday July 18,1997 - 7 Workfare is not meeting the projected numbers By BRAýD REAUJME iihe Champion H-lton Region bas established 90 workfare posi- tions but only 34 people are currently enrolled in the program, far below projections. Members of the Region's heatth and social ser- vices committee were recently provided details of the slower than expected implementation of work- fare. "We have overcome the instant and initial nega- tive image of these programs," said Bonnie Ewart, commissioner of social services. "We are setting up placements faster than we are getting clients to fil1 them." Ms Ewart said having the extra placements available is advantageous because it allows those in 0w prîýrain i( h(2 mtîhiç io ier( tvp- if nîîrk fori svhtrh Grey atre sutted, Cottnltttte tIetubet s heard that Ms Ewart had expected about 260 indi- viduals would be involved at this time with posi- tions in non-profit or public organizations or employment through ageney referrals. Burlington Councillor Bob Wood, who bas stooel firmly against workfare from the beginning, questioned if the prograni would ever fulfill those expectations. Ms Ewart said another year should provide a clearer pieture. She added the four-month waiting period before eligibility is slowing down potential matches, as are a number of other administrative proeedures.m Mr. Wood suggested that projected participation in the programn would always be a guessing gamne. Janet Menard, a social services manager for Riliton Ro'it n, ýatîl nans of the tirrent wsorkt are positions are i ah Ilaiti Region. Site added Rhat a third party bas been hired by about 15 municipal governments to independently evaluate the pro- gram. "Halton Region bas taken the lead on making this a more workable program," said Halton Chair Joyce Savoline. "Its still in its infancy. We have to constantly try to make it better. We are dealing with people's lives." Oakville Mayor Ann Mulvale said the new Labour govemrment in the United Kingdomn bas introduced a youth program which mirrors Ontario Works. But "We are nowhere near where we said the numbers would be," said Mr. Wood. 'There is not much to be pleased with." -9 ILAE -97RA-E 4X2 X*