Ontario Making Progress On Poverty Reduction

Posted on December 2, 2009 in Governance Debates, Social Security Debates

news.ontario.ca/mcys – news release – Ontario Making Progress On Poverty Reduction
December 2, 2009 10:24 AM

McGuinty Government Releases First Annual Report

Ontario is delivering on its poverty reduction strategy by making historic investments in low-income families during challenging economic times. The first annual report on the Breaking the Cycle strategy released today highlights three pillars that the government has delivered on:

  • Accelerating the Ontario Child Benefit: low-income families started receiving up to $1,100 per child annually on July 1, 2009 – that’s almost double the previous maximum benefit.
  • Moving forward with full-day learning for four and five year olds: up to 35,000 kindergarten students will be enrolled by 2010. A portion of the phase-one schools will serve low-income neighbourhoods. Full implementation is targeted for 2015-16.
  • Tax fairness for low-income families: as part of the package that includes a move to the Harmonized Sales Tax, approximately 2.9 million low- to- middle- income individuals and families will get a new sales tax credit of up to $260 per adult and child per year.

The Breaking the Cycle 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. Ontario is using Statistics Canada’s Low Income Measure to monitor its progress in meeting the 25 in 5 target. Baseline data – set on 2008 levels – is expected to be released in 2010.

QUICK FACTS

  • The Poverty Reduction Act 2009 was passed by unanimous consent by all parties on May 6, 2009. The act requires that current and future governments develop poverty reduction strategies at least every five years and that they consult with those living in poverty.

CONTACTS

  • Paris Meilleur
    Minister’s Office
    416-212-7159
  • Anne Smith
    Ministry of Children and Youth Services
    416-325-5156

Ministry of Children and Youth Services
ontario.ca/children
< http://www.news.ontario.ca/mcys/en/2009/12/ontario-making-progress-on-poverty-reduction.html >

 

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009 at 9:48 pm and is filed under Governance Debates, Social Security Debates. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

Leave a Reply