THUNDER BAY -- For the second day in a row, people waiting for disability and Ontario Works cheques lined up outside the CLE Coliseum.
The cheques would normally be sent by mail, but are being distributed at the CLE, due to fears of a Canada Post work stoppage which never came to pass.
Just like on Tuesday, there were hundreds of people lined up outside the building Wednesday afternoon.
This time though, there were two lines, and the wait times were far shorter.
The crowd moved quickly once the doors opened at 1 p.m., as people were asked to go to one side of the room for Ontario Works cheques, and the other for Ontario Disability support payments.
Many of the first recipients were out the door within 15 minutes.
Organizers said having fewer people come in on day two helped, but also said changes like separating people into two lines, helped a great deal.
The Ministry of Community and Social Services, which distributes the disability cheques, was not available for an on-camera interview.
However, in a statement, deputy minister Janet Menard said her ministry apologizes for the inconvenience and discomfort caused by the cheque pick-up process.
Menard added that they are working to improve the situation for the final day.
The CLE Coliseum will be open for cheque recipients again tomorrow, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the afternoon.
(TBT News)
