Comments on: Open Letter to Premier McGuinty from the 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction http://25in5.ca/open-letter-to-premier-mcguinty-from-the-25-in-5-network-for-poverty-reduction/ News, events and resources about the 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction in Ontario, Canada. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:40:47 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Luba http://25in5.ca/open-letter-to-premier-mcguinty-from-the-25-in-5-network-for-poverty-reduction/comment-page-1/#comment-408 Luba Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:19:16 +0000 http://25in5.ca/?p=586#comment-408 What about to survive on $59 for whole year due to "overpayment" of social assistance (OW)? Remember the 8 months pregnant women by name Kimberly Ann Rogers, was found dead in the hot, not air conditioned apartment at August 09, 2001.Her "overpayment" was $13,000. Who cares that it was unlawfull immoral decision? The recipients of OW (and ODSP too)even do not have legal rights compare to criminals : - to be presumed innocent - to public hearing by an independent Tribunal - to trial, to civil jury, to summary judgement - to not be self-incriminated - to remain silent - to be safe at home - to privacy and be protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act - right to adequate food, clothes, shelter Without these rights it is no surprising that every day the sadistic, deadly dangerous Ontario Works regime put the financial debt in form of “overpayment” on another pregnant woman and on another mother with accusation of something or even without any accusation. Why? To “Squeeze every penny from the poorest of the poor” because they are nobody under the law and ceased to be citizens in any true sense of this word. Luba What about to survive on $59 for whole year due to “overpayment” of social assistance (OW)?
Remember the 8 months pregnant women by name Kimberly Ann Rogers, was found dead in the hot, not air conditioned apartment at August 09, 2001.Her “overpayment” was $13,000. Who cares that it was unlawfull immoral decision?
The recipients of OW (and ODSP too)even do not have legal rights compare to criminals :
- to be presumed innocent
- to public hearing by an independent Tribunal
- to trial, to civil jury, to summary judgement
- to not be self-incriminated
- to remain silent
- to be safe at home
- to privacy and be protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
- right to adequate food, clothes, shelter

Without these rights it is no surprising that every day the sadistic, deadly dangerous Ontario Works regime put the financial debt in form of “overpayment” on another pregnant woman and on another mother with accusation of something or even without any accusation.
Why? To “Squeeze every penny from the poorest of the poor” because they are nobody under the law and ceased to be citizens in any true sense of this word.
Luba

]]> By: Luba http://25in5.ca/open-letter-to-premier-mcguinty-from-the-25-in-5-network-for-poverty-reduction/comment-page-1/#comment-406 Luba Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:28:40 +0000 http://25in5.ca/?p=586#comment-406 To Rachel: Do not try suicide. This is exactly what burocrats that profiting from the reduction of poverty program and OW/ODSP program want. Remember K.A.Rogers already did: lost her unborn child and her life in 2001. Nothing was changed. Who cares how $25 –billion of “public cost” for poor is spend”( irony of 25 in 5 Networks)? For salaries to the National Council on Welfare, to commissioners (that will produce the useless futile report – check history – from 1834 same sort of commissioners worked “hard” to collect their salaries), to Minister of Community and Social Services and to the enormous staff of ministry , to delivery agency, and to the members of the Social Benefits Tribunal. You see, for you it almost nothing left. But it can be even worse because you did not mention about “overpayments”. Can you imagine that you have to repay your miserable benefits? Try that: on $7244 yearly income “overpayment” of OW benefits $6900. And the collecting agency is harassing you already. And remember that your benefits are the government help. They can cut their help anytime. Keep your documents in order, and keep all receipts. To Rachel:

Do not try suicide. This is exactly what burocrats that profiting from the reduction of poverty program and OW/ODSP program want. Remember K.A.Rogers already did: lost her unborn child and her life in 2001. Nothing was changed. Who cares how $25 –billion of “public cost” for poor is spend”( irony of 25 in 5 Networks)? For salaries to the National Council on Welfare, to commissioners (that will produce the useless futile report – check history – from 1834 same sort of commissioners worked “hard” to collect their salaries), to Minister of Community and Social Services and to the enormous staff of ministry , to delivery agency, and to the members of the Social Benefits Tribunal.
You see, for you it almost nothing left. But it can be even worse because you did not mention about “overpayments”. Can you imagine that you have to repay your miserable benefits? Try that: on $7244 yearly income “overpayment” of OW benefits $6900. And the collecting agency is harassing you already.
And remember that your benefits are the government help. They can cut their help anytime. Keep your documents in order, and keep all receipts.

]]> By: dogs n beans http://25in5.ca/open-letter-to-premier-mcguinty-from-the-25-in-5-network-for-poverty-reduction/comment-page-1/#comment-403 dogs n beans Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:37:07 +0000 http://25in5.ca/?p=586#comment-403 been searching the net for answers to what our provincial candidates plans are for ODSP. needless to say there are none. remember Mike Harris. i have a serious dislike lyin Dalton but will Hudak follow in Harriss's shoes. i recieve odsp and a meal allowance for a serious illness that makes employment impossible. i used to drive truck which my doctor tells me i will never do again or work. who will i vote for, none have any answers. we are pariahs to them. the bain of society. i would love to work again. whats a poor boy to do. starving in ontario, the have not province. been searching the net for answers to what our provincial candidates plans are for ODSP. needless to say there are none. remember Mike Harris. i have a serious dislike lyin Dalton but will Hudak follow in Harriss’s shoes. i recieve odsp and a meal allowance for a serious illness that makes employment impossible. i used to drive truck which my doctor tells me i will never do again or work. who will i vote for, none have any answers. we are pariahs to them. the bain of society. i would love to work again. whats a poor boy to do. starving in ontario, the have not province.

]]> By: Rachel http://25in5.ca/open-letter-to-premier-mcguinty-from-the-25-in-5-network-for-poverty-reduction/comment-page-1/#comment-400 Rachel Thu, 23 Jun 2011 22:36:16 +0000 http://25in5.ca/?p=586#comment-400 I was born and raised here in Ontario. I paid into the system for years. I started working when I was 12 years old. I was a person of means and opportunity. I had the dream that everyone has growing up. And I made it. Then tragedy struck. By the time I was 41 I had died twice. Through no fault of my own , simply medical issues. When I was 43 I died again, because of medical issues. Obviously I am not deceased, but I did not ask to get sick. I am 49 now and can not go back to work. Before I received any help I had to rid myself of all my assets before help would come. Then CTB get's cut because my son turned 18. Now he is going away to school with a scholarship, grants and a small loan from OSAP. And then I find out that my monthly income from ODSP; with my dietary increase (if you can call it that) is only going to be $1,155.00. The HST credit is a joke so is the other credit we get for being low-income. How absolutely degrading can the government make me feel. Why don't you live in the city of Toronto on this insult that is call support. I haven't even had a hair cut in 3 years, because I can't afford the $30 to get one. I supported my son on my own since he was 18 months. I even paid full fee day care, no subsidy, my son is an honour roll high school graduate not some thug on the street and he is now going away to school,so he can become a contributing member of society like I was raised to be. Again, no one asks to get sick and live with disabilities, yet they ask us to survive on $1,155 a month. I can only say, this is such a dispicable way to treat those that were born here, raised here and contributed to our great country, and today I hear on the news that they want to do away with severance packages to gov't employees who quit their jobs, pllllleeeeease,why would you even get severance if you quit your job. Where is the justice, fairness and hope that this country and province is suppose to offer to it's residents. I can say it certainly isn't here. Live like we do, even dogs get treated better than we do. I am so sick and tired of having to live this way, but I have no choice, but one, and that is not a choice I want my son to live with. Rachel I was born and raised here in Ontario. I paid into the system for years. I started working when I was 12 years old. I was a person of means and opportunity. I had the dream that everyone has growing up. And I made it.

Then tragedy struck. By the time I was 41 I had died twice. Through no fault of my own , simply medical issues. When I was 43 I died again, because of medical issues.

Obviously I am not deceased, but I did not ask to get sick. I am 49 now and can not go back to work.

Before I received any help I had to rid myself of all my assets before help would come.

Then CTB get’s cut because my son turned 18. Now he is going away to school with a scholarship, grants and a small loan from OSAP. And then I find out that my monthly income from ODSP; with my dietary increase (if you can call it that) is only going to be $1,155.00. The HST credit is a joke so is the other credit we get for being low-income.

How absolutely degrading can the government make me feel. Why don’t you live in the city of Toronto on this insult that is call support. I haven’t even had a hair cut in 3 years, because I can’t afford the $30 to get one.

I supported my son on my own since he was 18 months. I even paid full fee day care, no subsidy, my son is an honour roll high school graduate not some thug on the street and he is now going away to school,so he can become a contributing member of society like I was raised to be.

Again, no one asks to get sick and live with disabilities, yet they ask us to survive on $1,155 a month.

I can only say, this is such a dispicable way to treat those that were born here, raised here and contributed to our great country, and today I hear on the news that they want to do away with severance packages to gov’t employees who quit their jobs, pllllleeeeease,why would you even get severance if you quit your job.

Where is the justice, fairness and hope that this country and province is suppose to offer to it’s residents. I can say it certainly isn’t here.

Live like we do, even dogs get treated better than we do. I am so sick and tired of having to live this way, but I have no choice, but one, and that is not a choice I want my son to live with.

Rachel

]]> By: CIG http://25in5.ca/open-letter-to-premier-mcguinty-from-the-25-in-5-network-for-poverty-reduction/comment-page-1/#comment-394 CIG Sun, 27 Mar 2011 07:47:18 +0000 http://25in5.ca/?p=586#comment-394 "...they are relying on your humanity, your vision and your leadership." That's a joke; right? As one of the "poorest of the poor", I can say we do no such thing. The majority, of us, aren't poor because we're stupid. If stupidity were our problem we could be making $50,000.00, per year or more, as civil servants. In my case, stupidity may be an issue as I can't understand how trivial increases, in ODSP and OW benefits, which are less than increases in the cost of living, or "raising the minimum wage", which isn't enforced, do a damned thing to "break the cycle of poverty". On the other hand, it's possible stupidity (mine) isn't an issue, and the Premier should do something useful, rather than making, meaningless, "commitments" and writing asinine letters. “…they are relying on your humanity, your vision and your leadership.” That’s a joke; right?

As one of the “poorest of the poor”, I can say we do no such thing. The majority, of us, aren’t poor because we’re stupid. If stupidity were our problem we could be making $50,000.00, per year or more, as civil servants.

In my case, stupidity may be an issue as I can’t understand how trivial increases, in ODSP and OW benefits, which are less than increases in the cost of living, or “raising the minimum wage”, which isn’t enforced, do a damned thing to “break the cycle of poverty”.

On the other hand, it’s possible stupidity (mine) isn’t an issue, and the Premier should do something useful, rather than making, meaningless, “commitments” and writing asinine letters.

]]> By: Zelda http://25in5.ca/open-letter-to-premier-mcguinty-from-the-25-in-5-network-for-poverty-reduction/comment-page-1/#comment-351 Zelda Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:38:40 +0000 http://25in5.ca/?p=586#comment-351 Single women need help too we are barely struggling. Single women need help too we are barely struggling.

]]> By: Sylvain Lalonde http://25in5.ca/open-letter-to-premier-mcguinty-from-the-25-in-5-network-for-poverty-reduction/comment-page-1/#comment-320 Sylvain Lalonde Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:22:18 +0000 http://25in5.ca/?p=586#comment-320 well im typing this message too all canadians,i was born extremely healthy would but too shame anybody that would try too race me and i could work in contruction because its in my famillys life too build quality additions houses renovations,ive been stuck arguing with dr for 18 years since motorcycle acciddent,it has left me almost crippled,i have left me having a hard time using my hands too type or write i get lost in my pain,all i can say my identical twin has thought me allot more than you call dr theyre nothing but bucthers,i use too make 32 0000 a year before motorcycle accident after that ive been strugling since then canada systeme is uselless its only good for descrimination well im typing this message too all canadians,i was born extremely healthy would but too shame anybody that would try too race me and i could work in contruction because its in my famillys life too build quality additions houses renovations,ive been stuck arguing with dr for 18 years since motorcycle acciddent,it has left me almost crippled,i have left me having a hard time using my hands too type or write i get lost in my pain,all i can say my identical twin has thought me allot more than you call dr theyre nothing but bucthers,i use too make 32 0000 a year before motorcycle accident after that ive been strugling since then canada systeme is uselless its only good for descrimination

]]> By: Marc Bernstein http://25in5.ca/open-letter-to-premier-mcguinty-from-the-25-in-5-network-for-poverty-reduction/comment-page-1/#comment-280 Marc Bernstein Thu, 20 May 2010 10:35:20 +0000 http://25in5.ca/?p=586#comment-280 These cuts are horrible. I am sick and tired of Dolton McGuinty's Fiberal lies! Too bad we can't impeach the bastard and his ODSP miserable toads!! This slime devil McGuinty and his lousy Liberal warts need to be turfed from office! The ODSP + Dalton Glib Phony Balony McGuinty's elimination of the Special Diet is despicable. Now I've been cut off by ODSP,because they claim I made too much income in 2009. My health and emotions are being rapidly destroyed. The ODSP and it's lousy staff and workers are ignorrant,insensitive and a bunch of hateful miserable civil servants with arrogance. Bah Humbug to them all. These cuts are horrible. I am sick and tired of Dolton McGuinty’s Fiberal lies! Too bad we can’t impeach the bastard and his ODSP miserable toads!! This slime devil McGuinty and his lousy Liberal warts need to be turfed from office! The ODSP + Dalton Glib Phony Balony McGuinty’s elimination of the Special Diet is despicable. Now I’ve been cut off by ODSP,because they claim I made too much income in 2009. My health and emotions are being rapidly destroyed. The ODSP and it’s lousy staff and workers are ignorrant,insensitive and a bunch of hateful miserable civil servants with arrogance. Bah Humbug to them all.

]]> By: Bertrand http://25in5.ca/open-letter-to-premier-mcguinty-from-the-25-in-5-network-for-poverty-reduction/comment-page-1/#comment-278 Bertrand Wed, 19 May 2010 09:09:20 +0000 http://25in5.ca/?p=586#comment-278 This Liberal government should be ashamed of the way they treat the disadvantaged and disabled in this great province. It's bad enough with the poverty we live in that grows worse by the day with inflation and constantly rising costs for everything. To cut the special diet is an added insult and basically a death sentence for some. It is quite obvious that their plan to help the poor and disabled is of very low priority so in all fairness their party will receive the same priority at election time. Thanks for a life that is hardly worth living. This Liberal government should be ashamed of the way they treat the disadvantaged and disabled in this great province. It’s bad enough with the poverty we live in that grows worse by the day with inflation and constantly rising costs for everything. To cut the special diet is an added insult and basically a death sentence for some. It is quite obvious that their plan to help the poor and disabled is of very low priority so in all fairness their party will receive the same priority at election time. Thanks for a life that is hardly worth living.

]]> By: Diamond http://25in5.ca/open-letter-to-premier-mcguinty-from-the-25-in-5-network-for-poverty-reduction/comment-page-1/#comment-277 Diamond Wed, 19 May 2010 04:55:59 +0000 http://25in5.ca/?p=586#comment-277 Rates have not kept up with the true costs of living, and have not been restored to the level they were when Mr. Harris made his cuts. The small increases have been mere costs of living adjustments that never kept up to the actual amounts. They have announced cuts to the special diet program after been found guilty of discrimination. Where is the justice for all of us who are suffering needlessly. So, I can't see significant increase helping my family in a tangible way. Where is the increase for my basic ODSP basic needs allowance if it went down as the Ontario Child Benefit increased. There are some of us who actually see through the smoke and mirrors. I can only hope that more people see through it before it is too late and Ontario's poorest children are set further back by lack of money to eat and succeed. What is wrong with this government when 39 out of 40 MPPs are on the record as recognizing that the current rates are not enough, but have done nothing to make real change happen for thousands of Ontarians. I encourage you all to vote and think long and hard about what you are voting for. Rates have not kept up with the true costs of living, and have not been restored to the level they were when Mr. Harris made his cuts. The small increases have been mere costs of living adjustments that never kept up to the actual amounts. They have announced cuts to the special diet program after been found guilty of discrimination. Where is the justice for all of us who are suffering needlessly. So, I can’t see significant increase helping my family in a tangible way. Where is the increase for my basic ODSP basic needs allowance if it went down as the Ontario Child Benefit increased. There are some of us who actually see through the smoke and mirrors. I can only hope that more people see through it before it is too late and Ontario’s poorest children are set further back by lack of money to eat and succeed. What is wrong with this government when 39 out of 40 MPPs are on the record as recognizing that the current rates are not enough, but have done nothing to make real change happen for thousands of Ontarians. I encourage you all to vote and think long and hard about what you are voting for.

]]> By: 25in5.ca » Premier McGuinty Responds to 25 in 5 http://25in5.ca/open-letter-to-premier-mcguinty-from-the-25-in-5-network-for-poverty-reduction/comment-page-1/#comment-275 25in5.ca » Premier McGuinty Responds to 25 in 5 Mon, 17 May 2010 18:35:35 +0000 http://25in5.ca/?p=586#comment-275 [...] 25 in 5 wrote to the Premier about the cancellation of the Special Diet Allowance, which will have an impact on several thousand OW and ODSP recipients, and the 1% increase to social assistance rates, which falls short of the inflation rate. You can read 25 in 5’s letter here. [...] [...] 25 in 5 wrote to the Premier about the cancellation of the Special Diet Allowance, which will have an impact on several thousand OW and ODSP recipients, and the 1% increase to social assistance rates, which falls short of the inflation rate. You can read 25 in 5’s letter here. [...]

]]> By: Diamond http://25in5.ca/open-letter-to-premier-mcguinty-from-the-25-in-5-network-for-poverty-reduction/comment-page-1/#comment-274 Diamond Tue, 11 May 2010 19:32:54 +0000 http://25in5.ca/?p=586#comment-274 Lots of people have been speaking up and advocating for positive change. Too many people were already suffering before the announcement of the special diet cuts. I can only hope that somebody at Queen's Park graps the concept that there is a difference between hearing our pleas and actually doing something tangible to help those who are suffering. If you MPP has forgotten why they are there, I encourage you to remind them. If they are not representing your interests, then fire them exercise your right to fire them on election. The poor people didn't collect the bad debt, government policy and directives did. Lots of people have been speaking up and advocating for positive change. Too many people were already suffering before the announcement of the special diet cuts. I can only hope that somebody at Queen’s Park graps the concept that there is a difference between hearing our pleas and actually doing something tangible to help those who are suffering. If you MPP has forgotten why they are there, I encourage you to remind them. If they are not representing your interests, then fire them exercise your right to fire them on election. The poor people didn’t collect the bad debt, government policy and directives did.

]]> By: Marc Bernstein http://25in5.ca/open-letter-to-premier-mcguinty-from-the-25-in-5-network-for-poverty-reduction/comment-page-1/#comment-273 Marc Bernstein Tue, 11 May 2010 01:35:24 +0000 http://25in5.ca/?p=586#comment-273 I am a self-employed diabetic (type 2) on insulin. My ODSP payments have been eliminated,due to they're stating I made too much money and my health care costs are too high. I have no food,no drink. I am and have been under the care of a psychiatrist for depression. I am also a primary caregiver (my mother has Alzheimers,is in a nursing home-I miss her badly! My mother and I long have a bond. I am depressed,feel like ending my life. I have no choice to to stop taking insulin and hope I end up in the hospital. Due to the ODSP's stupid and insensitive workers and this Fiberal govt's judging the disabled and diabetics as if we are a burden on society,I have no money,no food. I think the ODSP is totally corrupt. If the ODSP had to face failure of running a business,living alone with diabetes,health issues,depression and lack of self-esteem,as well as isolation and burnout plus how hard it is to live with a learning disability,then they might have a better understanding. As it is,ODSP workers like Maria Caputo and McGuinty treat the disabled like criminals. I protest this! My phone number is 416-960-9595. I shall have to get a loan to get me through this week,else I will go into a diabetic coma. I am a self-employed diabetic (type 2) on insulin. My ODSP payments have been eliminated,due to they’re stating I made too much money and my health care costs are too high. I have no food,no drink.
I am and have been under the care of a psychiatrist for depression. I am also a primary caregiver (my mother has Alzheimers,is in a nursing home-I miss her badly! My mother and I long have a bond. I am depressed,feel like ending my life. I have no choice to to stop taking insulin and hope I end up in the hospital. Due to the ODSP’s stupid and insensitive workers and this Fiberal govt’s judging the disabled and diabetics as if we are a burden on society,I have no money,no food. I think the ODSP is totally corrupt. If the ODSP had to face failure of running a business,living alone with diabetes,health issues,depression and lack of self-esteem,as well as isolation and burnout plus how hard it is to live with a learning disability,then they might have a better understanding. As it is,ODSP workers like Maria Caputo and McGuinty treat the disabled like criminals. I protest this! My phone number is 416-960-9595. I shall have to get a loan to get me through this week,else I will go into a diabetic coma.

]]> By: Michele Cole http://25in5.ca/open-letter-to-premier-mcguinty-from-the-25-in-5-network-for-poverty-reduction/comment-page-1/#comment-272 Michele Cole Thu, 06 May 2010 22:06:31 +0000 http://25in5.ca/?p=586#comment-272 I urge you not to discontinue the special diet allowance without conversing with those who are receiving it and finding out why they need it and what will happen if they don't continue to get it. I urge you not to discontinue the special diet allowance without conversing with those who are receiving it and finding out why they need it and what will happen if they don’t continue to get it.

]]> By: Candyrose Freeman http://25in5.ca/open-letter-to-premier-mcguinty-from-the-25-in-5-network-for-poverty-reduction/comment-page-1/#comment-271 Candyrose Freeman Thu, 06 May 2010 20:21:12 +0000 http://25in5.ca/?p=586#comment-271 Healthy bodies,healthy minds,is not a myth.I have learned how to understand and practice healthy,nutritional eating habits.I understand the direct impact cheaper,processed foods have on mental and physical well being.I'm stretched thin financially to provide nutritional,healthy meals.also preventative practices such as chiropractic,reikei. My check will be reduced by 215,00 per month leaving me unable to implement the nutritional information I have gleaned.As a result of dietary supports,I am not on psychiatric medications,nor, have I had a hospital stay for almost 4 years.I have lived with mental illness since age 3 I am 46 years old and finally feeling like I'm emotionally regulated enough to be a productive member of the community.My mother is a residential school survivor,and I grew up in the child welfare system. Please don't sentence me,or anyone with health concerns,(that's anyone,who enjoys living)to ill health!!!Prevention is always prudent! Health care costs will stay down! Healthy bodies,Healthy minds. Is not a myth. Candyrose Freeman Healthy bodies,healthy minds,is not a myth.I have learned
how to understand and practice healthy,nutritional eating habits.I understand the direct impact cheaper,processed foods have on mental and physical well being.I’m stretched thin financially to provide nutritional,healthy meals.also preventative practices such as chiropractic,reikei.
My check will be reduced by 215,00 per month leaving me unable to implement the nutritional information I have gleaned.As a result of dietary supports,I am not on psychiatric medications,nor, have I had a hospital stay for almost 4 years.I have lived with mental illness since age 3 I am 46 years old and finally feeling like I’m emotionally regulated enough to be a productive member of the community.My mother is a residential school survivor,and I grew up in the child welfare system.
Please don’t sentence me,or anyone with health concerns,(that’s anyone,who enjoys living)to ill health!!!Prevention is always prudent! Health care costs will stay down! Healthy bodies,Healthy minds. Is not a myth. Candyrose Freeman

]]> By: Wendy Bayne http://25in5.ca/open-letter-to-premier-mcguinty-from-the-25-in-5-network-for-poverty-reduction/comment-page-1/#comment-270 Wendy Bayne Thu, 06 May 2010 14:32:48 +0000 http://25in5.ca/?p=586#comment-270 Social Assistance for those that are victims of crime and are now permanently disable such as those with brain injuries is pitiful. With no hope of being able to work again individuals are left to their own devises and many are left homeless without the ability to navigate a complex social system that is not prepared to the assist the cognitively impaired. Social Assistance for those that are victims of crime and are now permanently disable such as those with brain injuries is pitiful. With no hope of being able to work again individuals are left to their own devises and many are left homeless without the ability to navigate a complex social system that is not prepared to the assist the cognitively impaired.

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