Report on Manitoba's Employment and Income Assistance Program : Report on Manitoba's EIA Program

The complainants requested a comprehensive review of the program, and also raised specific concerns about the adequacy of the services and benefits provided by the program and questioned whether participants in the program are being treated fairly. [...] Our review of the EIA program was conducted in a collaborative manner, with the full support and cooperation of the program and the department. [...] We examined the operation of the EIA program as a part of the government's overall poverty reduction strategy, and also in light of specific stated goals for the department and the program. [...] It is recommended that the department review the definition of basic necessities to ensure that support is provided for the communication and transportation needs of participants consistent with program goals and the requirements imposed upon participants. [...] It is recommended to the Social Services Appeal Board, that it issue decisions on requests for an extension of time in the form of an Order of the Board that may be appealed to the Manitoba Court of Appeal.