Income Security: A Roadmap for Change

SEQUENCING REFORM
The Roadmap recommends a package of tangible
changes and improvements to Ontario’s income security
system so that it better supports the diversity of people
who use it, and outlines the sequencing of reforms over
10 years.
Items are sequenced over time to allow for critical co-design processes and so
that lessons learned earlier in implementation can inform later stages and fiscal
realities. Efforts have also been concentrated on key actions in the first three
years that are critical to building momentum, targeting those in most urgent
need, and establishing important foundations for change The recommended
changes are not stand-alone, nor should they be viewed as a menu of options
Implementing the Roadmap will require further work to define the details and
create plans on how changes are introduced As noted above, it is important
that the Province involve a broad range of voices in a co-design approach for
certain critical elements, including people impacted by change, front-line workers,
service managers and delivery partners, advocates, Indigenous peoples and
organizations, and a range of other experts It is also important that opportunities
to test or pilot change be taken, so that lessons can be learned and adjustments
can be made prior to broad implementation It is critical that pilots are inclusive
of the diversity of the community so any differential impact on uptake and
outcomes can be evaluated and used to inform the final design and rollout. This
means ensuring an intentional diversity of participants, including but not limited
to racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, women,
communities negatively impacted by heterosexism, homophobia and transphobia,
and newcomers to Canada
The full participation of the federal government is needed if low-income
individuals and families are to achieve their potential and reach an adequate
income The federal government is also called upon to work directly with First
Nations in a nation-to-nation capacity to address significant physical and social
infrastructure deficits in First Nations communities.
24 Income Security: A Roadmap for Change