Posted by Willow on July 29, 2001, at 22:30:37
In reply to Keep them coming ...., posted by Willow on July 29, 2001, at 21:51:54
I'm not sure if it's funny, but here goes:
http://toronto.globaltv.com/ca/news/stories/news-89240620010727-070745.html
Beggar Sues Ontario Over Disability Benefits
Ministry Threatened To Cut Off Benefits After Learning Man Also Begged On Street For Spare Change
OTTAWA, 8:52 a.m. EDT July 27, 2001 --By Michael Petrou, The Ottawa Citizen
David Coffey, the Ottawa man who faces the loss of his disability pension because he begs for change on the streets, has hired lawyers and is preparing to sue the provincial government.
Yesterday the Citizen reported the Ministry of Community and Social Services threatened to cut off Coffey's payments after it found out he makes between $20 and $100 a day begging.
Officials sent Coffey a letter and demanded his bank statements and a record of his begging income for the last three years.
They ordered him to bring these records to a meeting and warned: "If you do not attend and do not call, your Income Support may be suspended."
At the time, Coffey threatened to retain a lawyer. Yesterday he made good on the threat. Coffey has hired Sara Karges and Edward Masters, lawyers at the Ottawa firm, Burke-Robertson.
"What I'm going to say is I would like to sue them for megabucks," Coffey said.
Masters said he has not spoken with Coffey about the possibility of suing the province, but said his goal is to ensure Coffey keeps his disability payments, which he receives because he has epilepsy.
"I see him out on the street all the time. He's a very pleasant guy," Masters said. "I figured here's an opportunity to take what I already know to help someone who seems to be in a jam."
Masters said Coffey's legal costs will be covered by Legal Aid Ontario.
He said he's confident Coffey's disability payments will not be cut off.
poster:Willow
thread:8307
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010726/msgs/8328.html