On August 13, 2026, the Ontario government made changes to the rules about social assistance eligibility that may affect people with temporary status or no immigration status in Canada. Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario…
Between 2020 and 2022, many people received COVID-19 income support benefits from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). These income support benefits include the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), Canada Recovery Sickness…
ISAC Staff Lawyer Robin Nobleman was interviewed by the Toronto Star about recent changes to Ontario social assistance regulations. The article discusses new changes in availability of social assistance based on immigration status. Robin’s comments…
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…