The Welfare History Project
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welfarehistory.bsky.social
The Welfare History Project
@welfarehistory.bsky.social
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Public education project on the history of state-controlled social assistance in so-called "Ontario, Canada."

Lead by a disabled OW recipient.
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welfarehistory.bsky.social
At inception, it was characterized by the term "Workfare" — a kind of "welfare" in which people reliant on government aid are forced into labour in order to receive payments.

Here is an article from the Georgetown Gemini from January 29, 1997 about this coming forth as a pilot program.
Headline: Workfare gradually introduced in Halton By Jamie Harrison Three months into it, Halton Region, Halton Hills in particular, is catching on to Workfare and the idea of working for government money. The implementation process of Workfare, also known as the Ontario Works program, is in full swing, requiring that able-bodied welfare recipients work. Those who refuse a work placement risk having their benefits cut off. The ultimate goal is to get recipients off social assistance and back into the workforce. "It's not finished yet," said Bonnie Ewart, Halton's Commissioner of Social Services, "It's going to take the better part of the year." In Halton, 1,300 are currently receiving some form of welfare, 13 per cent of which live in Halton Hills (exact figures for Georgetown are not readily available). While Workfare initially met some resistance last summer, Ewart said there haven't been many complaints from either clients or businesses. "We've had a couple of complaints from non-profit organizations that said they'd rather not be involved," Ewart said. "The clients are pretty receptive. It involves them working with us and with a goal of getting off social assistance." In a press conference announced last October, it was announced that Halton would serve as one of the 20 pilot project sites in Ontario.
June 17, 2025 at 6:42 AM
welfarehistory.bsky.social
I'm an OW recipient and human rights student (OSAP issues, long story). I've been increasingly interested in the study of welfare, and calling out the carceral nature of it. I've written essays for classes on it but found the accessibility of information lacking.
Welfare History Project Logo. It is circular, and black and white. In the centre, a chain running up and down is broken in the middle. Text is freehand brush strokes reading, "Welfare History Project" in all caps. Framing the design are the black silhouette of stylized flames. From the top right, reaching down toward the broken chain and flames, is a stylized hand silhouette meant to look similar in shape to flame tendrils.
June 13, 2025 at 8:34 PM