A Note from the Caledon Institute on Poverty Reduction in Ontario

The Caledon Institute of Social Policy congratulates Ontario on the serious consultation it is undertaking to renew its poverty reduction strategy.  Ontario has made significant strides in poverty reduction through its initiatives in early childhood education and the Ontario Child Benefit.  However, there is only so much that a province can accomplish on its own.  The federal government is responsible for the largest part of the income security system and much of the tax system.  Provinces and all Canadians concerned about poverty must continue to call on Ottawa for a national poverty reduction strategy.  Any poverty reduction strategy also must recognize that an economy with many jobs paying poverty-level wages will always leave many families in poverty.  We therefore urge that attention focus not only on government benefits, but also on measures such as minimum wage, and training and education.  Finally, we comment on the need for further consideration of some of the recommendations of the recent Social Assistance Commission, in particular the proposal to integrate disability benefits into the general assistance program.

ISBN – 1-55382-585-3