The Ford government is scrapping controversial cuts to welfare for vulnerable children and adults with part-time jobs as part a broader review of Ontario’s social assistance system, the Star has learned. The reversal comes on the eve of a Toronto city council vote Thursday to approve an additional $8.5 million over the next six months to help families impacted by the elimination of the provincial Transition Child Benefit, which was set to take effect Nov. 1.The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services informed municipalities late Wednesday that the $67 million child benefit is no longer on the chopping block.Previously announced changes to earnings exemptions — the amount of money a person on welfare can earn from a part-time job before their benefits are reduced — are also being reversed. Last fall, the government announced it would be changing the definition of disability for people receiving benefits under Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). It was not clear Wednesday evening if that decision was also being walked back.Toronto Mayor John Tory, who was among several Ontario mayors who appealed directly to Children, Community and Social Services Minister Todd Smith about the loss of the Transition Child Benefit, praised the province’s change of heart.“I want to thank the government of Ontario for listening to the concerns raised about the cancellation of this funding and the impact it would have on families, their housing needs in particular, and the city’s emergency shelter system, which would have ended up as a destination of last resort for many families,” Tory said in a statement.“I hope that the review of this benefit now underway will both recognize the important contribution it makes to family stability and recognize that is should be funded on a permanent basis by the provincial and federal governments.”The changes come amid sinking approval ratings for Premier Doug Ford and follow ...
|
