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.
View The announcement [YouTube].
Read a great summary from ISAC Many questions, few answers, and great risk for people with disabilities
Bulletin Questions:
- Do you need more service navigators or accessibility, food, travel, and other resources?
- Do you need more employment agency workers or jobs?
- Do you need a housing worker or housing?
- Do you want a case manager as part of your OW claim or access to mental health supports on your own terms?
Let us know at Bulletin@soundtimes.com
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.
Leadnow.ca You can also sign a petition to Tell Doug Ford: no unlimited rent increasesACORN.ca Make sure the City and Province knows what tenants think!
Sign our petition to save rent control >>> Rent control under attack
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?
Desperate People Make Ideal Workers and Distracted Citizens. Bigger version of the comic on our website.
I’m going to use my desperation to pay attention!
From Campaign Pledges to Action
Consumer survivors can use the Prosperity Platform which was prepared by Commitment TO Community to advocate for resources and actions at City Hall. We can use it to remind / support / shame our representatives.
You can contact Israt Ahmed at iahmed@socialplanningtoronto.org and More information from Commitment TO Community: child care, housing, jobs, poverty, and transit.
MORE PLEDGE TACTICS!
Learn about (and sign) the Cannabis Amnesy Petition //soundtimes.com/cannabis-amnesty-petition/
5 Reasons Why Drug Consumption Rooms Benefit People Who Don’t Use Drugs
DCRs are a UK term for OPS, SIS. This is an article for an audience of non-users. What do you think?
- DCRs ensure safer streets …
- DCRs reduce the spread of disease …
- DCRs improve access to emergency services …
- DCRs can reduce crime …
- DCRs help people integrate into the legitimate economy …
- DCRs save lives…
More details at our site.