GUELPH – In response to the 2013 Ontario Budget, the Guelph & Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination is encouraged by the government’s plan for increasing prosperity and building a fair society. In particular, the Poverty Task Force is pleased to see the government’s acknowledgement of and response to the recommendations from the Commission for the Review of Social Assistance in Ontario. This includes attempts to address the depth of poverty experienced by social assistance recipients by increasing rates, particularly for single adults on Ontario Works without children, and changing rules on earning exemptions and asset limits.

While the 2013 Ontario Budget is a step in the right direction, more substantial investments in people and the programs that support them are required.  The Poverty Task Force will continue to advocate for higher social assistance rates, the Ontario Housing Benefit, and better access to prescription drug and dental benefits for Ontario Works recipients.

Based on feedback collected through a series of public consultations and discussions with key stakeholders as part of the Review of Social Assistance in Ontario, the Guelph & Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination has called for government action to address six priorities. The table on page 2 outlines the six priorities identified in Guelph-Wellington and if and how the 2013 Ontario Budget responded to them.

Read the full report: Release – Poverty Task Force Response to 2013 Ontario Budget