In June the Commission for the Review of Social Assistance in Ontario released A Discussion Paper: Issues and Ideas to encourage dialogue on the key issues facing social assistance and generate ideas for change. The response to the paper was tremendous, with more than 700 submissions from across the province, including Guelph & Wellington. Many of these submissions are posted, and early in the new year the Commission will provide an overview of what they’ve heard through a consultation report. The Commission intends to release a second paper outlining possible approaches to reform early in the new year as well, instead of December as planned. Feedback from this paper will help inform the development of their final report and recommendations to the government in June 2012.

On December 9, 2011, Stuart Beumer, Director of Ontario Works with the County of Wellington, provided a presentation to members of the Poverty Task Force. This presentation provides a comparision of local feedback and recommendations provided by our community with the common themes that have been received by the Commission. The presentation also highlights key activities within Ontario Works locally that relate to items brought forward in the community consultation.

A copy of the presentation is available by clicking HERE. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Stuart Beumer at 519-837-2670 x. 3065.