TORONTO - Ontario's opposition parties are demanding a government apology for a computer glitch that resulted in the wrong amounts being sent to thousands of people who rely on welfare and disability payments.
Social Services Minister Helena Jaczek says the fact that some people received amounts well below normal was not related to the computer error that overpaid thousands of recipients about $300,000 in total.
The Progressive Conservatives and New Democrats both demanded Jaczek apologize, especially to people who didn't get the money they depend on to survive, but the minister was unrepentant.
Pressed by reporters, Jaczek said she would apologize individually to anyone who approached her and said they had "suffered from some hardship" because they didn't get the welfare or disability support they need.
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is worried some welfare and disability payments will be wrong again later this month when they are sent out early because of the Christmas holidays.
The Tories say the mistake with the support payments is just the latest mismanagement by the Liberal government following computer issues at eHealth Ontario and the Family Responsibility Office.
