Commitments made by Premier Dalton McGuinty today to invest in two important poverty reduction initiatives bode well for all Ontarians, says the 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction.

“Increasing the Ontario Child Benefit will help protect families during an economic downturn,” says Jacquie Maund, Ontario Campaign 2000.

“Matching federal infrastructure dollars to build more affordable housing and to repair existing social housing units is a smart economic stimulus and an investment that will keep tens of thousands of poor Ontarians out of the cold during this recession,” says Michael Shapcott, Wellesley Institute.

The announcements represent two of five core initiatives the 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction asked the Ontario government to invest in for this coming budget year.

“Today’s announcement goes part way down the path of poverty reduction,” says Sarah Blackstock, Income Security Advocacy Centre. “But considering Ontario is in the eye of the global economic storm, there is more to be done.”

“To reach the goal of reducing poverty by 25% in the next five years – and to keep a lid on deepening poverty – next week’s budget needs to go further,” says Pat Capponi of Voices from the Street.

The 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction expects the March 26 budget to also include investments in these areas:

• A $100 Healthy Food Supplement, adults on social assistance to help them access healthier food and a new housing benefit for low-income renters.
• Building 7,500 new affordable child care spaces, crucial to supporting parents who need to work and retrain for the demands of a changing economy.
• A commitment to hire new employment standards officers to ensure more workers have their wages and their basic rights protected through this downturn.

To arrange interviews with 25 in 5 spokespersons, please contact: Trish Hennessy (416) 551-2059.

Government Release

• Helping Families in Need

Media and Community Responses

• Low-income Ontarians, and provincial economy get welcome boost from new investments – The Wellesley Institute
• Ontario budget to boost child benefit, social housing funds – CBC.ca
• Affordable housing to get $1.2B boost – Toronto Star
• Ont. speeds up increase in child benefit to July 1 – CTV.ca
• Municipalities Welcome $1.2 Billion Investment in Social Housing – Association of Municipalities of Ontario