Child Poverty in Ontario - Promises to Keep, 2006 Report Card on Child Poverty in Ontario

Despite years of economic growth in Ontario, one in every six children is living in poverty. When the current government was elected in 2003 a number of commitments were made to address poverty issues. Important steps have been taken. The minimum wage is now $8/hour. Two cost of living adjustments increased social assistance rates by 5%. Health benefits for people leaving social assistance were extended for 6 months. The Best Start child care program was initiated with federal funding. 2007 is an election year in Ontario. Now is the time for the Government to fully meet its promises to index social assistance rates, fully end the clawback of the National Child Benefit Supplement, invest $300 million in provincial funding into early learning and child care, and build 26,600 affordable housing units and create 35,000 housing allowances.

Publication Date: 
2000