On April 25th, the Supreme Court of Canada will hear a case that asks whether money held in a trust affects eligibility for social programs, even if the recipient cannot access that money. In this…
On April 17-18, the Supreme Court of Canada will hear four cases challenging the mandatory victim surcharge under the Charter. The cases will decide whether the mandatory victim surcharge violates the Charter rights of poor…
An important case concerning the privacy of individuals who seek to enforce their rights at administrative tribunals will be heard this week. This case could directly affect the privacy of individuals at the Human Rights…
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…
Where can you go when government benefit programs discriminate against you? The Supreme Court of Canada will be hearing an important case about that issue on November 28, 2017. The Government of Canada is responsible…
– la version française suit dessous – Improving Access to ODSP for Indigenous Persons with Disabilities: A new resource to support ODSP applications and appeals The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples…
On March 14-15, the Ontario Court of Appeal will hear three appeals challenging the mandatory victim surcharge. Every person who is convicted of a criminal offence in Canada is required to pay a “victim surcharge”,…
Self-employment business travel rate also going up this month Major progress has been made on improving supports for people on social assistance to get to medical treatment. The Ministry of Community and Social Services has…
The Special Diet Allowance is available to Ontario Works and ODSP recipients who have medical conditions which require a therapeutic diet. Qualifying medical conditions are listed on a Schedule in the ODSP Regulations, with corresponding…
The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) does not require applicants to be permanently disabled in order to qualify for benefits. This aspect of the program is very important because it means that those who are…
In 2013, ISAC noticed that there was a sharp increase in the number of Ontario Works recipients who were being cut off because of their immigration status. ISAC was concerned that many of these recipients…
More than 100 migrant workers will actually get the EI Parental Benefits they are owed after fighting for these benefits at tribunals and in court for many years. Last fall, the Income Security Advocacy Centre…