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Income Security Advocacy Centre

ISAC works to address issues of income security and poverty in Ontario

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Social Assistance Reform

Advocating for reforms to Ontario’s two social assistance programs, Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), is a core part of our work. We often partner with other groups, like the ODSP Action Coalition, on this work.

Information about our policy advocacy work on social assistance reform is below. Check our community organizing page and our public education page for more information.

 

  • Social Assistance Reform: Update Nov 2015 November 24, 2015 - In 2008, the Ontario government committed to reviewing the social assistance system as part of its Poverty Reduction Strategy. Since then, many recommendations have been made for reforming the system. But, as yet, the government hasn’t laid out its vision for social assistance reform. Until now, there has been little agreement on the direction for ...
  • Tackling social assistance poverty September 3, 2014 - A test of success for Ontario’s second five-year Poverty Reduction Strategy The provincial government unveiled its second five-year Poverty Reduction Strategy earlier today, called ‘Realizing Our Potential’. ISAC commends government for continuing to focus on reducing and eliminating poverty in Ontario. We cannot have a fair and a just province when 1.5 million Ontarians continue ...
  • What’s Next for the Social Assistance Review? February 1, 2013 - In October 2012, the Commission for the Review of Social Assistance in Ontario issued its final report, complete with 108 recommendations. That report is suddenly getting a lot of attention. Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak has released a discussion paper outlining his intention to implement some of the Commission’s recommendations. Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath ...
  • Webinar: The Commission’s Report and Future Direction for Social Assistance Reform December 6, 2012 - Brighter Prospects, the final report of the Commission for the Review of Social Assistance in Ontario, was issued October 24, 2012. In this webinar, Jennefer Laidley of the Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC) provides an understanding of the content of the report and recommendations; an analysis of the impact of the recommendations; the policy and political context surrounding the report; and, thoughts on opportunities for action over the short, medium, and longer term.
  • ISAC responds to the final report of the Social Assistance Review October 24, 2012 - TORONTO (Oct 24, 2012) – The Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC) is urging the provincial government to respond to the report of the Commission for the Review of Social Assistance in Ontario by immediately engaging with people on social assistance. “It is time to move social assistance away from punishment and surveillance and toward dignity and support,” said Mary Marrone, ...
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