Welfare rates in the Flin Flon-Snow Lake area have climbed nearly 30 per cent over the past four years, a Reminder analysis reveals.
Government figures show a monthly average of 561.5 residents of the region were on Manitoba social assistance for the year ended February 2016.
That was up 125.9 residents, or 29 per cent, over the average number of recipients for the year ended February 2013.
“I’m not surprised,” said Dennis Hydamaka, an advocate for low-income residents and a volunteer with the Lord’s Bounty Food Bank.
He cited the rising cost of living, a perceived lack of job opportunities and the unfortunate fact that some people become dependent on welfare.
While more residents have been visiting the food bank, Hydamaka said usage has not increased at the same rate as social assistance.
One reason may be that the government statistics include not only Flin Flon, where the food bank is based, but also Snow Lake, Cranberry Portage and non-treaty residents of Pukatawagan.
Hydamaka also said welfare recipients are not necessarily food bank clients, as some are able to purchase all necessary groceries, particularly if they receive child benefits.
The government figures include only people on provincial social assistance. Those who may receive welfare from a First Nation are not included.
The figures show welfare rates declined 2.7 per cent between 2011-12 and 2012-13 but have increased each year since then.
An average of 464.9 residents were on social assistance for the year ended February 2014. The following year, the figure was 514.3 residents, before climbing again to 561.5 for the year ended February 2016.
