Council Appointed To Shape Review Of Social Assistance
McGuinty Government Seeking Input To Remove Barriers And Increase Opportunity
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Ontario has selected a group of highly experienced and committed community leaders to help shape a review of the social assistance system and suggest ways to better support vulnerable Ontarians transition to greater independence.
The Social Assistance Review Advisory Council, chaired by Gail Nyberg, Executive Director of the Daily Bread Food Bank, will advise the Minister of Community and Social Services on possible short-term changes to social assistance rules and provide the government with a recommended scope for a review of Ontario's social assistance system.
Council members include partners in poverty reduction efforts and leaders from community organizations. Members of the public are invited to send the Council input online.
Quick Facts
- The social assistance review is part of Ontario's Poverty Reduction Strategy, Breaking the Cycle. Guided by the vision of a province where every person has the opportunity to achieve his or her full potential and contribute to and participate in a prosperous and healthy Ontario, the strategy aims to reduce the number of children living in poverty by 25 per cent over 5 years - lifting 90,000 kids out of poverty in Ontario.
Quotes
Based on their vast and varied experience about how to best support vulnerable Ontarians, I know this Council will provide me with excellent advice on how we should move forward."
I am pleased that we continue to move forward on the implementation of Ontario's Poverty Reduction Strategy. The establishment of the Social Assistance Review Advisory Council is yet another concrete example of government's commitment to improving the lives of low-income Ontarians."
Reshaping Ontario's income security programs is a huge challenge, but one we are excited to tackle. We have an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of all low-income Ontarians."
Gail Nyberg