Commission on the Reform of Ontario's Public Services

Recommendation 8-5: The <strong>Commission</strong> for the Review of Social Assistance in Ontario
should examine system design options that deliver a more efficient and higher-quality service
to social assistance recipients. This examination should consider combining Ontario Works
and the Ontario Disability Support Program, and having the combined program delivered at
the local level. It should also address the further integration of employment services available
through Employment Ontario.
A more efficient, higher-quality program should:
� Be integrated with other municipally delivered services (such as child care and social
housing);
� Establish more formal linkages with EO with an eye on further integration (see Chapter 9,
Employment and Training Services);
� Deliver transactional tasks through ServiceOntario where there is clear added value in
doing so; and
� Operate with a clear focus that supports reattachment to the labour market, wherever
appropriate.
There are two other features we would like to see in social assistance programs, but where we
recognize much more work is required before firm recommendations can be offered. We once
again hope the SAR <strong>Commission</strong> can address these items.
First, to the extent possible, the benefits of the two main social assistance programs should be
consolidated. There could, for example, be a common base level of supports and benefits with
additional, targeted supports for persons with disabilities. The complexity of the current design
of those benefits would make this a difficult task and, if not done with care, it could actually
cost more.
Second, we hope the SAR <strong>Commission</strong> will examine the prospects for moving towards an
audit-based accountability structure rather than the current intensive use of verification and
compliance. We have been struck by the enormous resources required from both government
and recipients to cope with the current system that could otherwise be put to better use.
However, we are also cognizant that, to be successful, an audit-based program would have to
be carefully constructed to have the appropriate checks and penalties.
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