The Ontario government’s 2012 Budget announced the elimination of the Community Start-Up and Maintenance Benefit (CSUMB) from Ontario’s two social assistance programs (Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program) starting in January 2012.
ISAC was among hundreds of community groups, organizations, and individuals across Ontario who expressed significant concern over the loss of CSUMB. Partnering with our sister clinic, the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO), local community clinics and other groups across Ontario, we undertook a number of policy advocacy and community organizing activities to oppose the move.