The federal Liberal government introduced its third budget last Tuesday, February 27. The Budget and all associated documents are available at this link: https://www.budget.gc.ca/2018/docs/nrc/2018-02-27-en.html Here are a few highlights on income security and related issues. This list is not exhaustive – some helpful resources are included at the end of this email that can provide …
Updates
Work With Us!
ISAC has an opening for a Litigation Assistant / Law Clerk on a maternity leave fill one-year contract. We’re seeking a person with exceptional skills to provide primarily litigation support to legal staff and some administrative assistance to program staff and management. As a specialty legal clinic working to advance the income security of low-income …
Government should be held accountable for discrimination: Court case Feb 28
In a landmark case at the Human Rights Tribunal, Sheryl Abbey was successful in proving that the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) discriminated against her. But the Tribunal refused to award her compensation for the injury that she experienced as a result. She has asked the Divisional Court to review that decision. A coalition made …
Arts Grants now exempt in ODSP and OW
– la version française suit dessous – On December 13, 2017, the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) announced that, effective that day, arts grants are exempt as income and assets in both ODSP and OW. This is a huge step forward for artists in Ontario who get income support from these programs and receive arts …
URGENT ACTION ALERT: Federal review of labour standards
The federal government is doing a review of the labour standards that affect workers in federally-regulated sectors, like banking, telecommunications and inter-provincial and international transportation. We’ve just learned that they’re conducting a consultation with Canadians about how federal labour standards should be updated. The consultation ends this Wednesday, January 31. The Government wants to know …
Ontario Budget 2018: Take Action on Income Security / Passons à l’action pour la sécurité du revenu
– la version française suit dessous – It’s pre-Budget time in Ontario. As we noted recently, now’s the time to tell the Government and the Opposition parties that they must take bold steps on income security in Ontario. These steps must include major investments in transforming social assistance, starting with raising the rates, and employment standards enforcement. …
National Day of Action in support of Tim Hortons workers: Friday, Jan 19
This Friday – TOMORROW – the Fight for $15 & Fairness, together with the Ontario Federation of Labour and Leadnow, are hosting more than 50 actions outside Tim Hortons restaurants across the country. ISAC proudly supports this day of action and hopes you can join us on Friday, January 19. Anger continues to grow in response to the …
Ontario Budget 2018: Time to Push for Roadmap and More
The deadline to provide feedback to the Ministry of Community and Social Services on the Roadmap for Change report passed on January 5. But that’s not the end of the opportunity to have your say. It’s pre-Budget time, and the Government and Opposition parties are looking for input from the public on what the priorities …
Action alert: Stand up for workers across Ontario, Wednesday, January 10
Tomorrow, show your support for workers facing bully bosses! The minimum wage has gone up to $14 an hour starting January 1st! But some businesses have responded by cutting paid breaks and shifts, firing workers, and even engaging in wage theft. You’ve probably seen the news that several Tim Hortons stores across Ontario have been …
Government consultant’s report confirms Employment Insurance appeals process is broken
In the spring of 2017, the federal government acted on complaints from across the country by hiring a consultant to carry out a review of the Employment Insurance appeals process. That consultant’s report has now been made public. The report makes important findings about problems with the appeal process and recommendations for change. There are …
