Current Campaigns and Law Reform

Ontario Poverty Reduction Strategy

Government Consultations

The Ontario Government has committed to developing an Ontario Poverty Reduction Strategy by the end of 2008. The strategy will focus initially on reducing child poverty. Government consultations have begun and are expected to wrap up by June 30th, 2008. ISAC is working to ensure low-income people are included in the consultations and that the strategy benefits all people living in poverty, including people on social assistance.

Ending Poverty Project

This project has been initiated by ISAC and Ontario Campaign 2000 to work with low-income people in 10 communities to share ideas for what's needed to end poverty in Ontario and build political and public support for a broad, far-reaching poverty reduction strategy that benefits all people living in poverty.

Ending Poverty Workshop

ISAC and Ontario Campaign 2000 have developed a hands-on, interactive workshop that can be used to engage communities in discussions about Ontario's poverty reduction strategy and what they can do to lobby the government and build public support for reducing poverty.

25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction

ISAC is a founding member of the 25 in 5: Network for Poverty Reduction, which is calling on the Ontario Government to reduce poverty by 25% in the next 5 years, 50% in the next 10 years, and to completely eradicate poverty within a generation.

Poverty Watch Ontario

Poverty Watch Ontario is a joint initiative of ISAC, the Social Planning Network of Ontario, and Ontario Campaign 2000 to share information about community organizing on poverty reduction. The website lists upcoming community events on poverty reduction and reports from events and consultations that have already been held. Find out what's happening around the province and post your events and comments.

Ontario Child Benefit

The Ontario Child Benefit was announced in March 2007 and will go to all eligible low-income families with children between the ages of 0 – 18, whether they are working or receiving Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). ISAC is monitoring the roll-out closely and working to ensure no families on social assistance are left out or left worse off as a result of the changes.

OW/ODSP Reforms

Social Assistance Rate Restructuring

Starting in July 2008 – when the new monthly Ontario Child Benefit begins (see above) – the provincial government is changing social assistance rates for families with dependent children only. Single people, couples without children, and parents without dependent children will not be affected. See ISAC’s Rate Restructuring and Child Benefits fact sheet for more information.

Transition Child Benefit

When social assistance rates are restructured and the new monthly Ontario Child Benefit begins, some families receiving social assistance will not get the maximum OCB or NCBS. To make sure that these families are not negatively affected by the restructuring of social assistance rates, the government has created the Transition Child Benefit. This will affect families with dependent children only. Single people, couples without children, and parents without dependent children will not be affected. See ISAC’s Transition Child Benefit Fact Sheet for more information.

Cuts hurt Kids! Alert

Starting in 2008, the Back-to-school and Winter Clothing allowances provided through OW and ODSP will no longer be paid out in lump sum payments, as the provincial government starts to move benefits for children out of social assistance and into the monthly Ontario Child Benefit program. Families on OW and ODSP are expected to save up to buy winter clothes and school supplies throughout the year, despite the fact social assistance rates are so low most families can't afford to pay rent and eat three meals a day .

ISAC and Ontario Campaign 2000

ISAC works closely with Ontario Campaign 2000, which is a provincial organization committed to lobbying all levels of government to end child poverty. ISAC is a member of Ontario Campaign 2000's steering committee and contributes to its annual Ontario Child Poverty Report Card. We are also collaborating on the Ending Poverty Project.

Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN)

LIEN was formed in 2004 by anti-poverty, affordable housing and environmental groups in response to the impact of rising energy prices on low-income Ontarians. ISAC sits on LIEN's Steering Committee.

Colour of Poverty Campaign

Campaign 2000

Ontario Workers Need a fair Deal Campaign

ODSP Action Coalition

Step It Up Campaign