"Pogey"
Due to the dreadful impacts of the Great Depression, thousands of people had difficulties surviving. For that reason, the government issued "pogey", which were government relief payments provided to those who did not have an alternative source of income. However, it was very hard to collect pogey because the lines were very long. Also, people had to declare financial failure and guarantee that they did not have anything of value. They also had to prove that they were being expelled out of their homes. If the applicant met these requirements, they were then eligible to receive vouchers that could be exchanged for food and other goods. Regardless, the vouchers never enough to deal with the expenses, and receiving a voucher was also an embarrassing experience.
Not to mention, the government did not make collecting these payments convenient. The payments were deliberately kept low, such as $60 per month in Calgary to $19 per month in Halifax. This was done intentionally because the government wanted people to look for work, instead of depending on the payments.
Still, private charities came to the rescue. They provided clothing and food, and soup kitchens were established to feed the hungry and homeless.
Not to mention, the government did not make collecting these payments convenient. The payments were deliberately kept low, such as $60 per month in Calgary to $19 per month in Halifax. This was done intentionally because the government wanted people to look for work, instead of depending on the payments.
Still, private charities came to the rescue. They provided clothing and food, and soup kitchens were established to feed the hungry and homeless.