Income Security: A Roadmap for Change

We recommend the Province commit to a Minimum Income Standard and move
steadily towards that goal over the next ten years We have recommended, among
other things, the early implementation of changes to address the insuffcient
levels of support for single individuals receiving Ontario Works and the Ontario
Disability Support Program (ODSP)—people who have fallen far behind over the
past 20 years We struggled with the pace at which government should bring all
people out of deepest poverty, since the gap between where they are and where
they need to be is so large. The reforms we have recommended in the first few
years are what we see as the minimum first steps towards a more adequate
system of low-income supports for working-age adults They also introduce new
foundational elements to the broader income security system, such as a portable
housing benefit.
The government asked us and two other working groups to create a Roadmap,
with support from staff of the Ministry of Community and Social Services We
have done what we were asked to do In turn, we urge the Province to embrace
the vision we have proposed, to dedicate suffcient funding to implement the
Roadmap, and to seriously consider moving even more quickly to achieve income
adequacy We also call on all other levels of government to take an active role
We are proud of the Roadmap that we helped to create We put it forward in
the firm belief that everyone, especially those who have suffered the most from
living in poverty, should have the opportunity to live without scarcity and fear, to
fulfill their potential, and to contribute to their own growth and the prosperity of
all our communities
26 Income Security: A Roadmap for Change