The Ontario government “For The People” has promised jobs rather than increasing social assistance. The government will change the definition of disability to the federal standard, which will restrict access to ODSP for new applicants and will leave many of us poorer and more vulnerable.
Rent control will be removed on new units built after November 15th, 2018. The government believes this will increase rental buildings.
Sometimes we may not even believe it ourselves, but we are People. We are part of “The People”. People with ideas, humour, and rights.
You might want to give some feedback (see details within).
Dr Lee Jong-wook, Director General of WHO. “We have solutions to reverse the situation, in rich and poor countries alike. I urge countries, international organizations, academia, the healthcare and legal sectors and others to take a hard look at the conditions of people with mental disorders and take action to promote and protect their rights….
Submit your stories of advocacy and or photos and the Bulletin may share your actions!
OW / ODSP Changes Announced
Key Point: Government did not increase/decrease ODSP and OW levels in response to extensive advocacy. Disability definitions will exclude many new applicants (existing recipients will maintain benefits). Many new applicants will not qualify for ODSP so they will end up on much lower supports of Ontario Works with “wrap-around supports” for our needs (jobs workers, mental health workers etc…). Earnings exemptions and clawbacks have changed. Lots of details to come.
New legislation by Ontario Government means that Rent Control will continue for residential units occupied before November 15, But new rental units will not be subject to rent control.
Do you have feedback? Ontario Government: Give feedback (pro or con) directly to the Government through a survey, consultation. deadline is January 25th, 2019.
Do you want Out of the Cold Program Funding to be permanent?
Does permanent funding of these programs imply that the our most vulnerable friends are being condemned to mats?
Or does a permanent funding mean that we can save the desperate advocacy needed each winter to prevent freezing? There will be opportunities for survivors to work to provide for the short term desperate needs and to work for better housing that we deserve —under an accessibility and inclusionary view. Check out the Toronto Star article by Emily Mathieu November 22, 2018 //bit.ly/2rafaGM Photo: (RICK MADONIK / TORONTO STAR)
Do you ever feel like someone is trying to distract you?
The Fare Pass Presto card saves money: $2.00 per ride, 115.50 monthly pass. If you receive a transport allowance from OW or ODSP check with a worker before you apply for the pass so that you don’t have that subsidy cut from your cheque.
Recent Issue Piercing the Monopoly
OUR VOICE is published by Groupe de support émotionnel inc. OUR VOICE allows the freedom to express opinions on topics, which are relevant to wellness, madness, and its treatment in New Brunswick or elsewhere. This publication serves as an empowering tool of public education, advocacy and community pride for people who have lived experiences with psychiatry. We accept submissions such as articles, illustrations, poetry and letters. //www.ourvoice-notrevoix.com/
Where we post even more information and resources.The Bulletin is free to receive.
All previous issues are available on our website: www.soundtimes.com/bulletin
The Bulletin is published on the 1st of every month
by Sound Times Support Services. Funding for this Consumer/Survivor initiative has been provided by the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).
Disclaimer:
The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the
Toronto Central LHIN, the Government of Ontario,
Sound Times Support Services Staff or Board Members.
Thanks: to survey participants, callers and emailers and the C/S Info Bulletin Team helping with the handoff. Go green; get The Bulletin by email! Bulletin@soundtimes.com
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