In 2002, the BC government introduced new welfare policies that significantly reduced income assistance rates and increased the barriers to getting assistance. These changes have led to suffering and hardship for those in need. Please join us in pressing the provincial government to: 1. Raise the welfare rates by 50% and index them to inflation. 2. Remove the arbitrary barriers to accessing welfare. 3. Let all people on welfare keep at least $500/month of their earnings. 4. Raise the minimum wage to $10/hour and abolish the $6 training wage. Real letters (the kind that are written in a person\'s own words and sent through the regular mail) are accorded far more respect than form letters (let alone petitions). Yes, the effort it takes is far larger. But so is the potential for making an actual difference. Please write to: Hon. Carole Taylor, Minster of Finance, Room 153 Parliament Buildings Victoria, BC V8V 1X4 Phone: 250 387-3751 Email: [email protected] If you also sign the petition, the Raise the Rates Campaign will add your name to our list of supporters, which we will present to the appropriate cabinet members before the next provincial budget. Once you click \'Sign\', a webpage will appear confirming that your signature has been registered and also asking for donations for iPetition, the online petition service that is hosting our petition for free. This request does not come from the Raise the Rates campaign and your signature will be counted whether you choose to donate or not. Thank you for your time.