But It Ain't My Money . . .

Damn it! Two more cheques arrived in my mailbox yesterday. It is always nice to find an extra $200 on which one hadn't planned. Unfortunately, this money is not for me.

Last week, I got one hand drawn check to:

The City of New Westminster

1001 420 Carnarvon Street

*** ACCT#censored

New Westminster, BC

V3L 5P1

That looks like my address, but I am certainly not a city. Apparently these dollars are arriving from the British Columbia Employment and Income Assistance. There was no phone number or way to contact the ministry. The two I received yesterday had clients names on the attached stubs although not on the cheques themselves. They state they're cash-able at any financial institution in BC.



I went to give them back this morning I knew there is an EI office near Douglas College, a short walk from the apartment. Of course, that is a federal program though. Canada has no way of taking back provincial money. The receptionist did provide me with the address for the local BC Employment and Income Assistance Office down by the IGA. I called them and wasn't able to sort anything out by phone. I did promise to drop off the cheques when I get some free time.

It is turning out to be no easy chore to give back what isn't mine.