The Commission for the Review of Social Assistance in Ontario has released Discussion Paper 2: Approaches for Reform and What We Heard: A Summary of Discussion on Social Assistance. The Poverty Free KW Action Group invites you to a community discussion forum. Give your input on the state of social assistance in Ontario.
As a part of the Government of Ontario’s strategy to reduce poverty across the province, in November 2010 they initiated a review of Social Assistance in the province. Our local community held a number of events and submitted reports to the Commission.
The Commission for the Review of Social Assistance in Ontario is expected to release an Options Paper in early February with options for reforming Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), followed by a very short period for public response and feedback. The options could have far-reaching implications for people on low incomes. In this webinar series, Jennefer Laidley and Dana Milne of the Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC) will present on 3 different options expected in the paper and offer a variety of tools to help groups across Ontario organize consultations in their communities and make submissions.
We are encouraging neighbourhoods to register early with the Festival of Neighbourhoods by offering a series of prize draws throughout the year. The first draw will take place on February 6, 2012 at the Kitchener City Council meeting (7pm, Council Chambers, Kitchener City Hall). The deadline to register for this draw is January 31, 2012. (Any neighbourhood that registers early will also be eligible for the $10,000 Capital Improvement Grant draw in October 2012.) If you have questions or would like to register, contact Valerie at 519-579-1096 x 3005 or email entries@festivalofneighbourhoods.ca. Visit the Festival of Neighbourhoods web page for more information.
The Disabilities and Human Right Group will next meet on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 from 3 – 5 p.m. at the Victoria School Community Centre (25 Joseph St. Kitchener). Action Medical KW, a local home health equipment supplier, will present various health and mobility aids, safety equipment, and medical supplies designed to meet a wide range of needs. For more information please contact the Social Planning Council of Kitchener Waterloo at 519-579-1096 or admin@waterlooregion.org
The Social Planning Council of Kitchener Waterloo and community partners hosted an exciting event to commemorate the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2011. The forum focused on inclusive community planning and development. Read The Record's article.
November 2011 marks 22 years since the House of Commons adopted an all-party resolution to end child poverty in Canada. On Nov. 23-24, Campaign 2000 will release its 20th National Report Card on Child/Family Poverty at two separate events in Toronto and Ottawa. Read Revisiting Family Security in Insecure Times (2011 Report Card on Child and Family Poverty in Canada) (PDF)
The 2011-12 provincial budget increased OW and ODSP rates by 1%. The Income Security Advocacy Centre fact sheet shows the new basic needs and maximum shelter amounts for selected family sizes and types. These new amounts go into effect in November and December 2011. See FACT SHEET: Social Assistance Rates
Working group members of the Livable and Inclusive Communities Project wanted to answer this question. They put together a unique document that evaluates the methods used by the Commission to gather public input. The report is posted on the Commission’s website: Social Planning Council of Kitchener Waterloo - Canadian Centre on Disability Studies (PDF)
The Social Planning Council of Kitchener Waterloo and community partners have planned an exciting event to commemorate the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2011. Our theme is Aging with and into Disability: Leading the Way to Inclusive Community Planning and Development. We invite you to attend a celebration of people aging with and into disability as valuable contributors to our community. Download the poster and the agenda.
© Social Development Centre Waterloo Region
23 Water St N, Kitchener, ON Canada N2H 5A4
519-579-3800 | 1-877-579-3859 | sdcwr@waterlooregion.org
Charitable Number: 107987166RR0001