Premier Ford’s newly elected government faces an electorate that has overwhelmingly voted in favour of raising social assistance rates, raising the minimum wage, and improving life for workers.
Ontarians have delivered a mandate to this government that says the 800,000+ people on social assistance deserve better. With their votes, Ontarians have said that after carrying this province through a pandemic that is still not over, low-wage, precarious workers deserve better – they deserve better in the form of a substantial increase to minimum wage, paid sick days, and fairness and equity within the workplace and under the law.
During the election period, promises were made by all parties on improving the lives of low income Ontarians. We look forward to the government and all elected MPPs addressing the needs of the hundreds of thousands of Ontarians who live in legislated poverty due to inadequate social assistance incomes and impossible-to-live-on wages. And where election promises fell short or spoke to policies that run counter to what our clients need, we will advocate for change.
ISAC will continue to support our clients and the Ontario community legal clinic system through the pursuit of more just and equitable income security programs and improvements to and expansion of workers’ rights in Ontario.