By Robbie Pangilinan

Filipino single mothers in Vancouver, British Columbia are fighting the B.C. government to stop the clawback on child support payments from moms on income or disability assistance.

“We don’t receive support from the fathers of our children. They just make kids then pass the responsibility to the government,” said a single mother with a 4-year-old daughter who has lived on welfare about for more than two years.

“In those years, I saw none of my $400 monthly child support payments for my daughter. I am breathing easier now. But the extra money will definitely come in handy for other women still on social assistance,” she added.

Three years ago, backed up by the Single Mothers’ Alliance of B.C. three mothers filed a civil suit in the B.C. Supreme Court demanding government to end the clawback as it violates the constitutional federal rights of children to receive financial assistance from both parents.

British Columbia ended the practice last year.

A single parent with one child collects $945 monthly if on income assistance, or $1,242 in disability assistance. But if the other parent gives child support, the government cuts the single parent’s provincial payments.

BC has 145,000 Filipino residents, said Anthony Mandap of the Philippine Consulate.