Advocacy for adequate social assistance funding (Motion #53-02)

Moved by Edwards – Gingras.

WHEREAS the Ontario Works Act and Regulations were amended in 2000 such that an applicant or participant convicted of social assistance fraud was made ineligible for assistance:

• Single applicants are permanently ineligible for assistance; and
• Applicants in family units have their benefit unit reduced by the applicant’s portion for the duration on benefits; and

WHEREAS the Sudbury and District Board of Health believes that these amendments result in harsh punishment of potentially infinite length that poses a risk to the health and welfare of families, women and children in need; and

WHEREAS the Sudbury & District Board of Health is aware from its own research that social assistance levels may not suffice for recipients to afford basic pre-requisites for health[1];

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Sudbury and District Board Health strongly advocate to the Honourable Ernie Eves, Premier of Ontario to amend the Ontario Works Act and Regulations to eliminate the permanent ban on receiving assistance for those convicted of social assistance fraud;

AND FURTHER THAT the Sudbury and District Board of Health strongly advocate to the Premier and his Ministers that the provincial government ensure adequate social assistance funding to ensure that people can achieve a nutritious diet and other basic prerequisites for health, and that food security be addressed along with the other important public health determinants;

AND FURTHER THAT the Sudbury & District Board of Health directs the Medical Officer of Health to share this motion with Ontario Boards of Health with a request for their support.

[1] It has been determined during the 2001 Sudbury and District Health Unit Annual Nutritious Food Basket report, that some students receiving Ontario Student Assistance Program who are attending University/College do not have adequate income to purchase a basic diet.  The Cost of Eating Well Within Manitoulin and Sudbury Districts, Spring 001.

This item was last modified on July 10, 2018