People living on social assistance have been legislated into poverty, housing insecurity, and hunger. Their health has been impacted. They’ve had their motives questioned and their dignity undermined.

That must change.

Social assistance recipients, social service workers, grassroots organizations, anti-poverty advocates, and organized labour have come together to advocate for a more just, equitable, and caring society. We believe that begins with urgent changes to social assistance in Ontario.

1. At least double ODSP and OW rates, and index OW rates to inflation
2. Commit to ongoing cost of living increases above and beyond the rate of inflation for OW rates to make up for the years they have been frozen
3. Fund all benefits for everyone on social assistance. Make “discretionary” benefits easily accessible by eliminating wait times and means testing
4. Combine basic needs and housing allowance portions into a unified benefit
5. End the welfare wall that punished people for working
6. Let people keep their entire social assistance income – stop claw backs and deductions
7. Eliminate barriers to support, ensuring they are accessible and equitable
8. Expand access to social assistance to everyone in Ontario regardless of immigration status