Income Security: A Roadmap for Change

The Roadmap emphasizes the need for a Minimum Income Standard in Ontario
to be achieved over 10 years by engaging the whole income security system It is
critical that steps are taken to improve federal programs so they make a greater
contribution to income security and help people achieve an adequate income
Steps should include:
• Establishing a national pharmacare program so everyone has access to
necessary medications
• Indexing the Canada Child Benefit so families do not see an erosion of this
benefit year over year.
• Reviewing Canada Child Benefit rules when a child is temporarily removed
from the family home, so families aren’t at risk of losing shelter that could
jeopardize their ability to reunite
• Improving access to child tax benefits for families with precarious immigration
status and those who experience a catastrophic in-year income change
• Increasing the amount of income support provided through Canada Pension
Plan - Disability
• Reforming Employment Insurance to return it to a true income replacement
program that addresses the realities of the modern labour force and
labour market
• Creating a national income support program for persons with disabilities
• Increasing seniors' benefits including Old Age Security and the Guaranteed
Income Supplement
• Implementing promises for a National Housing Strategy, including investment
in affordable housing construction and repair and a national portable
housing benefit.
146 Income Security: A Roadmap for Change