People’s hearts are a little bigger than average here in Waterloo Region. And lest you think I’m indulging in some shameless local boosterism, I have facts to back up my theory.
By Luisa D’Amato, Waterloo Region Record
For example, this region spent more than almost anywhere else in Ontario to help our poorest residents by providing them with the necessities of life. Only the City of Hamilton spent more per person.
The Region of Waterloo covered things like eyeglasses and dental care, things that everyone needs but people on welfare couldn’t afford because of disgracefully low monthly cheques from the provincial government.
Now the province has taken over paying for those so-called “discretionary benefits” and spends far less per person than we did when it was a local decision. But elected regional councillors still pitched in with extra money to make life more bearable for them.
That’s the kind of people we are. And now we’re seeing the same generous spirit with the pressing issue of homelessness.