ISAC has been actively monitoring and providing feedback to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) consultations on proposed changes to its Rules of Procedure since consultations began in November 2024. At that time, ISAC…
The Ontario Court of Appeal has declined to revisit the Divisional Court’s finding that the strict training and accreditation requirements for the Ontario Disability Support Program’s (ODSP) Guide Dog Benefit are discriminatory, on the basis…
The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) is holding a consultation on proposed changes to its Rules of Procedure. The proposed changes would eliminate some procedural steps that can be helpful for unrepresented people trying…
The Divisional Court has found that the strict training and accreditation requirements for the Ontario Disability Support Program’s (ODSP) Guide Dog Benefit are discriminatory, on the basis of disability, contrary to Ontario’s Human Rights Code. On June…
On June 12, 2024, the Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC) intervened in Ministry of Community and Social Services v. Robinson-Cooke at the Ontario Divisional Court. The case was about whether the strict training and accreditation requirements for…
Many people who depend on Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support live in deep poverty. They may rely on panhandling to make ends meet, because their income assistance is inadequate to survive. However, for over…
The Ontario Divisional Court granted the Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC) intervener status in Ministry of Community and Social Services v. Robinson-Cooke. This legal challenge concerns whether the strict training and accreditation requirements for the Guide…
The Income Support Advocacy Centre is pleased that the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has found that some provisions of the Safe Streets Act violate the freedom of expression and presumption of innocence of people who panhandle to survive,…
TORONTO, ON – A long-awaited constitutional challenge seeking to strike down the Safe Streets Act and end the criminalization of panhandling in Ontario will be heard in Superior Court starting Tuesday. Lawyers representing Fair Change,…
Social assistance is inadequate in Ontario. People who depend on Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program live in deep poverty, and many do not have enough to afford food, rent, medicine and winter boots.…
Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) offer a monthly Guide Dog Benefit for routine care of a guide dog. Those on social assistance could receive $84 per month only if the…
ISAC is profoundly disappointed that the Ontario Government plans to end a vital program that provides OHIP coverage to uninsured people living in Ontario. This program successfully improves health outcomes and reduces financial hardship for…