Ontario’s 2026 Budget arrives with a familiar promise of protection, but for whom? The province faces compounding pressures, including a deficit that has nearly doubled to $13.8 billion, ongoing U.S. tariff threats, and the ripple…
There are many reasons why someone may stop receiving social assistance. For example, a senior may turn 65 and begin receiving seniors benefits that are greater than their Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) income. A…
Turning 65 is often seen as a milestone, but for low-income seniors in Ontario, it can bring financial and health-related uncertainty. Many seniors turning 65 no longer financially qualify for Ontario Works (OW) or the…
In our work on income security at ISAC, we know that unmet legal needs can harm people’s health. Unsafe working conditions can lead to illness or injury. Members of marginalized groups may face discrimination in…
The Ontario government’s mandate is to protect the province, its communities, workers, and businesses. In the face of U.S. tariffs, rising costs, and ongoing economic uncertainty, the provincial budget must help Ontarians to withstand current…
Ontario’s current Poverty Reduction Strategy, Building a Strong Foundation for Success: Reducing Poverty in Ontario (2020–2025), is nearing its end without having delivered meaningful or lasting reductions in poverty. Despite its stated ambition, the strategy…
Accessing appropriate and timely medical care can be challenging enough when living with a disability. For those applying for disability-related income support programs, their ability to receive income support becomes inextricably tied to their ability…
ISAC Staff Lawyer Adrian Merdzan was recently quoted in an article about the Ontario government’s forthcoming guide dog benefit, which is required to be changed as it was found to be discriminatory. The article focuses…
TORONTO, ON – On Thursday, October 23, at 11 a.m., a coalition of organizations focused on disability justice, food security, workers’ rights, renters’ rights, income security, poverty reduction, and improved social services will arrive at…
Food is a Right! Freeze the Rent! Raise the Rates! Raise Wages! On Thursday, October 23, starting at 11 a.m., a coalition of organizations focused on disability justice, food security, workers’ rights, renters’ rights, income…
The International Day to Eradicate Poverty occurs every year on October 17. Adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1992, reflecting on the aspirations of the declaration today brings mixed feelings. Poverty in Canada dipped…
Note: This Guide was updated towards the end of March 2025 to include new information about Canadian Dental Care Plan eligibility. This new information was added to p. 22 of the Guide, and ‘Table 2.…