View source for I'm Being Investigated by the Welfare Ministry

== First steps ==

#If you are being investigated by the Ministry, <span class="noglossary">contact</span> an advocate for help. (See the listing for [[PovNet]] in the Resource List of this Guide for <span class="noglossary">contact</span> and website information for welfare advocates in your area.) 
#If you are being investigated and think you may be charged with welfare fraud, immediately <span class="noglossary">contact</span> a lawyer for advice. Many criminal lawyers will provide some advice at no charge. Use the internet to search for criminal lawyers in your area or see the Yellow Pages. It is almost always advisable that you don't discuss the accusation with a Ministry investigator before you have spoken with a lawyer.
#If you are charged with welfare fraud under the ''Criminal Code'' or the provincial welfare law, look at the section in this Guide "[[I've been charged with a criminal (or youth) offence and have to go to court]]." Make sure that you apply for legal aid, for a criminal lawyer to represent you.