Ontarians who rely on social assistance will get counselling and job training under welfare reforms announced Thursday by the government.But the overhaul comes with a new definition of disability that will make it more difficult for injured workers and those suffering from mental health issues to qualify. “Many people in this province have severe disabilities that make it very difficult to support themselves,” said Lisa MacLeod, minister of children, community and social services. “They will be met with compassion and dignity in our new system. Those receiving assistance who can work, will be treated with the same dignity, including targeted support to fill Ontario’s jobs. “If you can work, or if you can’t, we have a plan to help you.” As first reported by the Star, people on social assistance who can get part-time or occasional jobs will be encouraged to increase their work hours by being able to keep more of what they earn before facing welfare clawbacks.Currently, their benefits are reduced by 50 cents for every dollar they earn over $200 a month. Changes announced Thursday will mean people can earn up to $300 a month before clawbacks. And then they will see their benefits reduced by 75 cents on every additional dollar. MacLeod launched a 100-day rethink of the system on July 31.At the time, she also cut a planned 3-per cent welfare increase to 1.5 per cent and killed the previous Liberal government’s three-year basic income pilot project, calling it too expensive and not focused enough on employment. This was despite her party’s promise to keep it during last spring’s election campaign.MacLeod also “paused” 19 regulatory changes that would have removed caps on the value of gifts or other voluntary payments people on social assistance could receive, along with plans to allow recipients to keep money in RRSPs and tax-free savings accounts.Under previous Liberal government reforms put on ho ...
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