A recent request by City of Victoria Police Department chief constable Del Manak asking BC Ministry of Social Development and Housing to consider changes to income assistance cheque distribution draws attention to an ongoing burden placed upon first responders.
Manak suggested cheques be distributed at different times rather than at the end of each month to reduce calls requiring emergency response to police, paramedics and hospital staff.
It sounds like a reasonable request. If common sense is used to determine a course of action to alleviate pressure and ease working conditions for people British Columbians rely on to save lives and keep order, spreading out the payments needs to be considered.
Police departments in the province, including Powell River’s, concur that more violent acts, alcohol-related incidents and overdoses take place on the day cheques are received. A study conducted and released by BC Centre for Disease Control in 2016 also indicates spikes in overdose deaths occur that same day.
Concerns raised by advocates that more frequent, smaller payments would lead to more spikes in overdoses, or responses from the social development ministry that changing the payment date might affect a recipient’s ability to pay bills and rent, focus only on the drug user.
It is not always about the drug user. Yes, they need compassion and support, but if they want their drug, they are going to buy it, regardless of which day the cheque arrives.
While advocates and community groups continue their strong and necessary efforts to provide that support on a daily basis, common sense dictates that first responders who deal with drug-related issues on cheque distribution day every month also require support.
The provincial government relies on studies and advice from professionals on many issues to make decisions every day. Police, paramedics and other first responders are among those closest to the issue in this case. Listen to them and take action.
