Year ago (Late 90's) I was hiring for a plant in Etobicoke and we saw this panhandler with a sign that said unemployed need help - my coworker went up to him and offered him an interview on the spot for a full time job... he ask how much it paid and then said it wasn't enough as he makes more on EI.
To Claim EI, you need to have been working. So pan handling would not qualify. EI is limited to only part of a year, so the gravy train will end unless you go back to a job with a paycheck. There is a maximum for EI, which means you would have been earning about $100,00) at work to qualify for the max EI payout. Curious to know who goes from making $100,000 a year to pan handling?
Welfare is poverty living. Disability support is poverty living. Especially in the GTHA.
I don't give to pan handlers. But one story about one guy on the street who turns down an interview does not make the rule.
My opinion is, no one wants to be living on the street. Yes I made the connection between pan handling and living on the street. My opinion, again, is that most people pan handling are in trouble and need help. I choose to give to charities that support these people in the hope that the money is put to better use for more people.