Bill C-585 is a federal Private Member’s Bill which has serious implications for the income security of refugee claimants and other people without permanent status in Canada. If passed, the Bill would allow provinces to…
We sent three separate questionnaires to four parties – the Greens, the Liberals, the NDP, and the Progressive Conservatives. The questions are about issues related to Ontario Works (OW), the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP),…
Election Day in Ontario is June 12. Issues that affect low-income Ontarians are important to talk about during provincial election campaigns. That’s because provincial government action can go a long way toward making life better…
After our coalition of more than 27 community-based organizations in Ontario wrote to the government urging more funding for housing and homelessness prevention programs this past November, we’re pleased to report that 2014 Budget includes…
Only three weeks into the new year and already one round of provincial pre-budget consultations is complete.ISAC presented recommendations for Ontario’s 2014 Budget to the Legislature’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs on January 16. Our…
Communities across Ontario need more funds for housing and homelessness supports Right now, local and regional municipalities across Ontario are planning their budgets for 2014. One of the issues they’re debating is how to respond…
ISAC has made a written submission on Ontario’s next poverty reduction strategy, which is expected to be made public later this year or early next. We focused on issues of income security and social assistance…
The provincial government started consultations on a new Poverty Reduction Strategy for Ontario in August, and a series of consultation meetings across the province will soon be wrapping up. Now’s the time to make your…
Community consultations have been taking place across Ontario on the provincial government’s next five-year Poverty Reduction Strategy. ISAC has prepared a Toolkit for Community Legal Clinics to use to prepare for and participate in –…
The new Wynne government and the Opposition parties have returned to the Ontario Legislature and the Throne Speech has been read. The next significant milestone will be the 2013 provincial budget. This year’s budget may…
On December 27, 2012, the provincial government announced $42 million in one-time funding for local housing and homelessness initiatives. The announcement says that the money “will assist eligible municipalities as they develop and implement their Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI) plans. Funds will be allocated to meet the needs of the most vulnerable Ontarians – including social assistance recipients – to ensure their stability through this period of transition as plans are developed.” The funds will be provided to municipalities for the period January 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014. What does this announcement mean?
Today marks the fourth anniversary of Ontario’s first-ever Poverty Reduction Strategy. The 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction has issued its fourth annual progress report on poverty reduction – see below. The report notes that child…