With tempers flaring over payment delays, the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board has added a pair of security guards to deal with angry clientele.
DSSAB CEO Bill Bradica called it an unfortunate situation, estimating the guards will be in place until at least Christmas.
“Our staff have experienced, unfortunately, personal threats from clients and applicants as a result of the implementation of this new provincial social assistance technology that’s replaced the legacy system,” Bradica said Friday, after speaking at the Thunder Bay District Municipal League’s semi-annual meeting at a north-side hotel.
“As a result of delays in processing, cheques are coming out later than expected. It’s taking a long time to process a person’s initial application and tempers are getting the best of people.”
Bradica said he doesn’t condone violence, but he does understand the frustrations some of his clients are feeling, especially as the holiday season arrives.
“But threatening staff is not the way to go. Our staff is working very diligently with really minimal assistance trying to address this. It’s something that’s beyond their control,” said Bradica, noting DSSAB officials had to call upon Thunder Bay Police to diffuse the situation.
“Over the years we have had incidents at our building, but we’re having more lately. The police have been excellent in responding and I really want to thank the chief and the police service for being an excellent partner in the community,” Bradica said.
The province has made a commitment to make fixes to the problem overnight on Thursday and Bradica said major upgrades are expected over the weekend which will hopefully alleviate the issue.
“I’m crossing my fingers that that will make a difference in the processing time,” he said.
The Thunder Bay DSSAB is responsible for distributing Ontario Works cheques, among the social services it offers.
