Consider This (https://consider-this.ca/category/community-voices/page/5/)
Contributions from others in the community
By Deborah O’Connor
When 40-some years of Conservative rule in Ontario ended in 1985 with the Liberal-New Democrat accord, the creaky and inadequate welfare system was just one of the areas needing reform, and it was achieved quickly after the groundbreaking Transitions Report was released in 1987. Although many of the recommendations made then are still awaiting implementation now, the most important one, to significantly increase the rates, was in place by 1988. (more…) Continue Reading →
By Deborah O’Connor
Just in time for Valentine’s Day the Committee for the Review of Social Assistance in Ontario has released another paper on welfare reform. This one, titled “Discussion Paper Two: Approaches for Reform”, provides details on input provided during the consultation phase of the review and poses questions people can answer if they hustle to meet the March 16th deadline. The final report of the committee is expected in June. Added to their original list of commitments, the committee wants to ascertain how a proposed housing benefit would align with social assistance reform, a sure sign the Ontario government is planning to introduce one. Some 2,000 people contributed ideas over the course of 11 “community conversations” held last year, with an additional 700 written submissions received. Continue Reading →
By Deborah O’Connor
Here we are at budget setting time again, and while the lower tier municipalities can expect a few stirrings of interest from the public as they proceed, the County process seems to attract little attention from anybody. With a budget that grows each year and a levy that will exceed $43 million once approved for 2012, that’s surprising to say the least. The proposed total budget for the County is $91.4 million, with the operating budget accounting for $77 million and the capital portion at $14.9 million. (more…) Continue Reading →
By Deborah O’Connor
On New Year’s Day, while most of us were relaxing and contemplating our resolutions for 2012, some twelve hundred Canadian workers were learning their employers had locked them out of their jobs, drawing a hard line in the sand to demonstrate their intractable contract positions. In the wake of the brand new Conservative government’s quick action last June to introduce back-to-work legislation to force Canada Post workers back on the job, along with threats to do the same to striking Air Canada workers, many Canadian trade unionists and their allies are feeling some anxiety about labour relations in the coming year and beyond. (more…) Continue Reading →
By Deborah O’Connor
A press release from the Central East LHIN was widely circulated on Dec. 16 announcing public consultation on a new and improved service delivery model for mental health care provided in Kawartha Lakes, the city and County of Peterborough, Haliburton and Northumberland Counties. The focus of the review is actually somewhat more restricted than that, dealing essentially with the future of two branches of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA); those in Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough. The recommendations up for discussion were developed by senior managers at those branches, along with their equivalents at the Central East LHIN and CMHA national head office. There was an initial consultation process last summer and this last kick at the can is to review and comment one final time before they’re presented to the board of LHIN in late January. Continue Reading →
By Christine Watts
This point of view is from a 52-year old woman who is living the low-income experience. I offer a personal account of my life on ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program). Although I may not look or sound like you might expect from a disabled person; some disabilities are not visible or obvious. (more…) Continue Reading →
By Deborah O’Connor
After looking at the history of Ontario’s welfare system in last week’s column, it’s time to see where the goal of reforming it has led us. When Premier Dalton McGunity was first elected in 2003, he promised to overhaul what every recipient and most advocates knew was a dysfunctional, inadequate and punitive bureaucracy that served nobody well. Putting newcomer Deb Matthews in charge, she embarked on the exercise of producing a report that would lay the groundwork for real reform. In her role, she travelled all over the province, meeting with everybody from staff at welfare offices, social service agencies, legal clinics, municipal representatives and even a few low income groups. By 2004, the report was finished, put up on a shelf and forgotten. Continue Reading →
By Deborah O’Connor
This year the Northumberland Community Legal Centre focused its Justice Forum event on the current incarnation of the ongoing review of Ontario’s welfare system. While speakers brought participants up to speed on some of the proposals for change, input was collected from people there who have experience with the Ontario Disability Support Program and Ontario Works, the two separate programs that provide welfare in the province. For both advocates and system users, the latest review being conducted by the Social Assistance Review Commission is the last in a long line of reviews and reports that date back to the late 1980s. (more…) Continue Reading →
By Deborah O’Connor
As times have become tougher in recent years for so many families and governments have pared their mandates and services down to the bone, Big Business has stepped up to the plate in a very big way, supporting all sorts of charities all over the world with campaigns and donations that are quite impressive. By applying their considerable talents and resources, they have made a huge difference in the charitable sectors they support. (more…) Continue Reading →
By Deborah O’Connor
Since unrest in Europe started bringing thousands into the streets, then spread to the Middle East, many of us here in North America have been watching, waiting for a similar uprising to start on our side of the world. While the Tea Party in the USA has grown and been quickly nurtured and co-opted by the rabid Right, it hasn’t exactly been the expression of discontent progressives are waiting for and remains well outside any movement towards addressing what ails us. (more…) Continue Reading →