Booming for Whom? People in Ontario Talk About Incomes, Jobs and Social Programs

Despite the Ontario government’s claim that ‘families are better off,’ many people in Ontario are worse off and struggling to get by, says a report released today by the Caledon Institute. The report, Booming for Whom? People in Ontario Talk About Jobs, Incomes and Social Programs by Kate Bezanson and Susan McMurray, was based on repeated in-depth interviews over three years with households across Ontario, combined with other statistical data. Booming for Whom is the fifth and final in a series of reports that describe Ontarians’ experiences and feelings of general insecurity from overwhelming and hasty policy changes, including education, health and jobs. ‘Nearly half the households we interviewed are worse off now that they were in 1995, and another quarter of them are about the same,’ said Bezanson. ‘Middle-income as well as low-income households and those who are better off or the same, as well as those who are worse off are struggling to get by.’
‘Forty percent have turned to family and friends for financial support, but when they rely on others for any length of time, they can hurt the relationships that are most important to them.’ The study revealed:

• People want to work, but many work for wages that can not meet their expenses.

• Good jobs have been replaced by temporary, contract, self-employed and part-time jobs.

• Employment Insurance is harder to get and social assistance is under attack.

• Housing, child care, education and health care cost more because of cuts and changes to government programs.

• In response, people spend less on food and personal care and they take on more debt, strategies which are unsustainable.

• Many regularly receive money from family or have moved in with family or others to manage housing costs: This can damage important relationships.

• None of those interviewed said tax cuts had provided them with any net benefit.

ISBN – 1-894598-07-5