Halton welfare rolis are down 80 per cent Five years after tough reforms came into effect, welfare roils in Halton have fallen by almnost 80 per cent. Halton MPP Ted Chudleigh says 5,605 Halton residents were collecting welfare payments in June, 1995. By the start of this month, that number dropped to 1, 172. The Halton numbers appear 10 be in sync with an Ontario-wide trend, which shows more than haîf a million people have let weIfare mills since 1995. A booming economy and striligent social assistance reforms are responsible for moving people off assistance and mbt the workforce, said Mr.,Chudleigh. "Our welfare reforma and the atrong Ontario economy continue to open doora for welfare recipienta in Halton region.," he said. -Through our programa, people are gaining the skills, experience and self- confidence they need 10 take advantage of job opportunities." But there's still room for improvement, said Community and Social Services Minister John Baird. "Our govemnment is not prepared to declare victory. Each and every welfare recipient deservea a chance 10 tum their life around by moving from weltare 10 work. ON SAL SAT DE.2T s.D ,20 Wlkbarn ON WENE A SEIR S 0 Please give generously to Our Christmas Bureau Fund 80 others can enjoy the holidays.