不列颠哥伦比亚省社会援助热线面临极端的拖延,平均等待时间为64分钟,尽管已作出努力改进。 British Columbia’s social assistance hotline faces extreme delays, with average waits of 64 minutes, despite efforts to improve.

不列颠哥伦比亚省的监察员Jay Chalke在长期等待收入和残疾援助的等待时间上发出警钟,打电话者有时等待一个多小时才得到帮助。 British Columbia’s ombudsperson, Jay Chalke, has raised alarms over prolonged wait times for income and disability assistance, with callers sometimes waiting over an hour to be helped. 从2022年到2024年的数据显示,只有13%的电话在10分钟内得到回应,远远低于政府80%的目标,平均等待时间在2024年10月达到64分钟。 Data from 2022 to 2024 shows only 13% of calls were answered within 10 minutes, far below the government’s 80% target, and average wait times reached 64 minutes in October 2024. 尽管作出了诸如回召制度和雇用工作人员等努力,但由于经济压力和复杂需求,工作量不断增加,使该系统继续承受压力。 Despite efforts like a call-back system and staff hiring, rising caseloads due to economic pressures and complex needs continue to strain the system. 虽然2024年接受调查的68%的客户都表示满意,但Chalke警告说,长期等待会给需要紧急支助满足基本需要的弱势人群造成不公平的障碍。 While 68% of clients surveyed in 2024 reported satisfaction, Chalke warns that long waits create unfair barriers for vulnerable people needing urgent support for basic needs.