Putting rights at the centre of Ontario’s income security and housing policies
Maytree submission for the pre-budget consultations in advance of the 2025 Ontario budget
While many Ontarians are concerned about the high cost of living, for those with lower incomes, the situation is dire. Not having enough income for housing or other necessities is plunging people into deeper poverty, contributing to rising homelessness, and leading to record-breaking food bank usage. This is imposing social and economic costs for everyone.
Having a job is not always the solution, especially when there is no guarantee of security or a high enough wage to pay the rent. Many people also face significant health challenges, and the employment services we have in place are not designed to support them.
In 2025, no matter which government comes into power, it’s clear what needs to be done: the Ontario government must prioritize those in greatest need and advance policies that improve their standard of living – a right that all people in Canada have.
To this end, Maytree calls on the Ontario government to:
- Improve the social assistance system;
- Make housing more affordable to people in greatest need; and
- Embed human rights considerations in policies and programs.
Read our full budget submission for more information on our recommendations.