The government has taken a number of important measures to detect and prevent fraud and misuse of the social assistance system. The Ministry of Community and Social Services reports annually on the results of its social assistance eligibility review processes.
Referrals come from a number of sources.
Case reviews by local offices turn up discrepancies. The general public may contact local offices or call the Welfare Fraud Hotline to report cases of suspected fraud. Information-sharing agreements are another source of referrals. All referrals are sent to local welfare offices for assessment and investigation. There are approximately 300 eligibility review staff in provincial and municipal offices across the province who investigate referrals.