ON - Now is the time for action! (on poverty/child poverty)
Political update
The McGuinty government has indicated that they are planning to make poverty/child poverty a theme of the 2007 budget. They are currently exploring different policy options. We need to make sure the government remains committed to this priority and that they feel motivated to go as far as they can in the budget to produce meaningful improvements for low-income people in Ontario.
Legal clinic workers can speak powerfully to the impact of poverty on members of our communities. Now is the time to meet with your MPP if she/he is a Liberal and to write to the Premier to express your views. It is particularly important that Cabinet Ministers know that there is significant public pressure to address poverty in Ontario.
One of the policy options seriously being considered is the creation of a separate child benefit.
It is crucial that if a separate child benefit is created that all low-income families benefit, including families on social assitance. Specifically, a new child benefit must include the end of the clawback of the National Child Benefit Supplement.
We sent out an email two weeks ago with updated campaign information. Please visit: www.handsoffnow.ca or contact ISAC for more information or assistance.
Sarah
Sarah Blackstock
Research and Policy Analyst
Income Security Advocacy Centre
425 Adelaide St. w, 5th Floor
Toronto, ON
M5V 3C1
416-597-5820 ext 5150
blackstocks@lao.on.ca
