[homeles_ot-l] Fwd: Ontario Budget Countdown - Poverty reduction doable challenge

[Terrie]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: 25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction <
25_in_5_Network_for_Poverty_Redu at mail.vresp.com>
Date: 2009/2/23
Subject: Ontario Budget Countdown - Poverty reduction doable challenge
To: mocharebyl at gmail.com


  *25 in 5 Ontario Budget Countdown
**Poverty Reduction Doable Challenge for Ontario Budget *

   1. Quotes of the Week: Tackling poverty is key to economic
recovery<#11fa2ff533077b88_quote>
   2. Economic stimulus and poverty reduction go hand in hand, says 25 in 5
   Blueprint <#11fa2ff533077b88_blueprint>
   3. CALL TO ACTION: Tell the finance minister to take action now on
   poverty reduction    <#11fa2ff533077b88_action>
   4. Put food in the budget <#11fa2ff533077b88_foodbudget>
   5. Government Results Committee formed to take next poverty reduction
   steps <#11fa2ff533077b88_committee>
   6. Praying for justice at Queen's Park, ISARC campaign takes
flight<#11fa2ff533077b88_praying>
   7. Support Fairness for Temp Workers: Bill 139 Action
Alert<#11fa2ff533077b88_fairness>
   8. Poverty reduction hits the media spotlight across Ontario
   <#11fa2ff533077b88_spotlight>


------------------------------
*Quotes of the week*

  "Spending on poverty is the best form of stimulus because the poor spend
every cent they receive on food, clothing and services in the local economy.
And report after report has convincingly catalogued just how much keeping
people poor costs us all in billions of dollars of increased health, justice
and social service costs and lost productivity and tax revenues."

Who said it? Toronto Star lead editorial, Tuesday Feb 13. Read
more.<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/cf007ba842>

"Tackling poverty must not end up on the back burner in next month's
provincial budget. Dire economic times hit everyone hard, but those
struggling to make ends meet in the lowest economic brackets are even harder
hit, as work becomes scarcer and prices for basic life necessities rise.
That's why a recession is perhaps the worst time for government to fail to
invest in infrastructure and programs aimed at those living in poverty."

Who said it? Hamilton Spectator lead editorial, Tuesday Feb 17. Read
more.<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/145173eceb>


------------------------------

*25 in 5 Blueprint: Economic stimulus and poverty reduction go hand in hand*

As the economic crisis deepens in Ontario and the provincial government
prepares to release its 2009 Budget, 25 in 5 has released a plan to kick
start the economy while reducing poverty at the same time.

A Blueprint for Economic Stimulus and Poverty Reduction in Ontario – the
result of consultations in 30 communities across Ontario – recommends
investments that will reduce child poverty in Ontario by close to 20% while
simultaneously providing a much needed boost to the province's faltering
economy.

"Our blueprint focuses on key investments during the next two years in
social infrastructure and public programs that do double duty of stimulating
the economy at a time when we need it most and reducing poverty when the
need is highest," says blueprint co-author and OFL economist Sheila Block.

Read the report at
http://www.25in5.ca/Blueprint.html<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/cdee9ba596>


------------------------------
*Call to Action:  Make poverty reduction the priority in stimulus budget*

The next provincial budget is expected on March 26, and it could not come at
a more critical time.

A budget that resolves to stave off the worst of a recession while
protecting the most vulnerable will make an immediate difference in the
lives of all Ontarians – and will safe-guard the health of the province's
economy for years to come.

Now is the time to tell our elected representatives at Queen's Park that
poverty reduction must be a priority for Ontario's upcoming budget. The 25
in5 Network has identified five immediate spending priorities – along with a
series of other initiatives, outlined in the 25 in 5
Blueprint<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/f8eb3dff52>.


   1. A $100 monthly Healthy Food Supplement to help all adults on social
   assistance access healthier food;
   2. An increase to the Ontario Child Benefit to $92 a month in 2009 budget
   and $125 a month in 2010 budget to protect Ontarians during the economic
   downturn;
   3. 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;
   4. Leveraging federal infrastructure dollars to build more affordable
   housing;
   5. A Housing Benefit to help low-income renters meet the rising cost of
   housing.

 By making these investments in the upcoming budget, the province can
stimulate the economy while making significant progress on the government's
promise to reduce child poverty by 25% in the next 5 years.

Send a message to Finance Minister Dwight Duncan and Premier McGuinty. Tell
them that making good on the province's commitment to invest in poverty
reduction is key to addressing the economic challenges facing Ontario today.
Let your voice be heard.

Email the Finance Minister at dduncan.mpp.co at liberal.ola.org and the Premier
at dmcguinty.mpp.co at liberal.ola.org. Also email your local Member of
Provincial Parliament – find out their contact information by looking
here<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/5bab1f8d39/channel_id=%7B923146e7-4d81-42a8-99f0-e61f5ab50387%7D&lang=en>.



------------------------------
*Put Food in the Budget*

  Nutritious food is essential for good health. But for people on social
assistance, nutritious food is a luxury. Having to choose between paying
rent and buying food is a daily reality. So is sending your kids to school
without breakfast or lunch. And relying on food banks for survival.

It doesn't have to be this way.

As part of our belief that fighting poverty is the best medicine money can
buy, 25 in 5 has joined with the Association of Local Public Health
Agencies<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/4490115e4f>(alPHa)
to launch an Ontario-wide campaign for the immediate introduction of
a $100 monthly Healthy Food Supplement to the basic needs allowance for all
adults receiving social assistance.

The Healthy Food Supplement would begin to address the widespread food
insecurity and chronic illness related to poor nutrition that people on
social assistance face.

But it will also stimulate spending in our local economies. As a recent
Globe and Mail editorial says, putting money in the hands of low-income
people who will spend it on essentials like healthy food "is an idea with
remarkably wide consensus…In these times, putting money in the hands of
those who need it is good policy."

Join the campaign! Put food in the budget at Poverty Watch
Ontario<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/f3104e4958>
.

Media Coverage of Put Food in the Budget Campaign
Launch<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/dfc58b6b67>

The Star: Food supplement 'can't
wait'<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/ac565332b7>

The Sun: Plan is (good) food for
thought<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/2024ded03c>

The Etobicoke Guardian: Campaign aims to 'put food in the
budget'<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/fd4f25643d>

CTV: Medical community urges healthy food
supplement<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/ec5fdef4a7/hub=TorontoNewHome>


------------------------------
*Government's Results Committee formed to take next Poverty Reduction steps*

A new committee will oversee implementation of Ontario's Poverty Reduction
Strategy.

On January 28, government announced a Results Committee had been formed,
whose job it is to push the poverty reduction agenda forward. Key ministers
sit on this committee, along with two citizen members.

The members of the Results Committee are:

   - Deb Matthews, Minister of Children and Youth Services, Women's issues
   - Madelaine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services
   - John Milloy, Minister of Training Colleges and Universities
   - Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Education
   - MPP Gerry Phillips, Chair of Cabinet
   - MPP Carol Mitchell, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of
   Municipal Affairs and Housing
   - Mark Chamberlain, Chair, Hamilton Roundtable on Poverty Reduction
   - Michael Mendelson, Caledon Institute

The formation of the Results Committee is an important step forward in
meeting the government's poverty reduction commitments. But there's much
more work to be done.

Government made 25 key commitments in its Poverty Reduction Strategy. And
the Results Committee will have to make sure they are met. Use 25 in 5's
list of government
commitments<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/b4b3294e58>to
track the Results Committee's progress in the weeks and months to
come.

See the government's announcement
here<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/ea171f0aca>
.



 ------------------------------
*Praying for Justice at Queen's Park, Interfaith Social Assistance Reform
Coalition*

  People of faith are turning to a trusted weapon in their efforts to
counter poverty and push for action amidst a deepening recession: prayer.

The McGuinty government has committed itself to a comprehensive poverty
reduction strategy. Yet recent statements by the Premier hint at tightening
the purse strings as the long-awaited provincial budget draws near. The
budget will be the litmus test of their commitment to significant and
ongoing poverty reduction.

Beginning on February 25th and running until mid-March (Monday through
Thursday), ISARC invites people of all faiths to join them at Queen's Park
to pray for the integrity, courage and spiritual guidance for all members of
the provincial parliament.

Two shifts will gather each day under a prayer canopy in front of the
legislative building. A morning shift will run from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
and an afternoon shift from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Morning and afternoon
shifts will overlap for one hour. At noon, a religious leader will guide
participants in prayer and reflection.

For more information on the Interfaith Prayer Vigil please contact: Bruce
Voogd of the Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition at
isarc at rogers.com or visit
www.isarc.ca<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/a13df3bdcd>
.


------------------------------
*Support Fairness for Temp Workers: Bill 139 Action Alert*

  The Workers' Action Centre and its members have been fighting for years
for fairness for temp agency workers.

In December 2008 the government introduced Bill 139 to protect temp agency
workers. Bill 139 is an important first step in protecting temp workers.
There are still a number of problems, but they can be fixed as Bill 139 goes
through the legislative process.

Take action!

They need your support to ensure that Bill 139 is updated and not watered
down. Help them make sure this important legislation is passed by:

   1. Sign a support card asking your MPP to support Bill 139 and fix the
   problems. Contact WAC for copies and help get as many signed in your
   community as possible!
   2. Contact your MPP by mail, phone or through a meeting and ask that your
   MPP support Bill 139.
   3. Help spread the word in your community about temp workers rights to
   holiday pay. Download a copy of their public holiday
poster<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/65b04c4842>and
fact
   sheet<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/5296261d03>.
   Work with WAC to organize an information session on Bill 139 and the new
   changes.
   4. Make sure your local temp agencies are paying holiday pay to
workers.Email, fax or drop off a letter to agencies in your community
- call WAC for
   copies. Report to WAC agencies that are not paying public holiday pay by
   phone or through their website.

 Contact Workers' Action Centre for more information at (416) 531-0778,
info at workersactioncentre.org or visit
www.workersactioncentre.org<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/8d11365be4>.



------------------------------
*Poverty Reduction in the Spotlight Across Ontario*

  Put healthy food within reach, writes Toronto Star's Carol
Goar<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/7b5e946c6f>

Sudbury Star: Group backs anti-poverty
plan<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/bb4d70fc9d/e=1434567>

Cornwall Standard Freeholder: 25 in 5 Anti-Poverty Advocates Unite in
Cornwall<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/0f334376e1/e=1433783>

Toronto Star: Welfare 'stimulus'
touted<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/b6cdde4d52>

North Bay Nugget: Budget will help poor - McGuinty says measures will be
unveiled next month<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/fc64e48058/e=1434079>

Toronto Social Justice Magazine: Pathway out of poverty
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/09ebdbb90c>

Budget will help `hardest hit' in fiscal slump, McGuinty says
<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/7b592b029e>

Sarnia Observer: Poor need
help<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/57f0259dba/e=1434324>

Hamilton Spectator Editorial: A Budget for the
poor<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/168e330461>

Toronto Star Editorial: Don't forget poor in Ontario
budget<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/40ef25017b>


------------------------------

*About the Countdown to a Poverty Reduction Plan eBulletins*
The 25 in 5 Network is steered by a coalition of Ontario organizations
including Campaign 2000, the Income Security Advocacy Centre, the Social
Planning Network of Ontario the Interfaith Social Assistance Reform
Coalition, The Colour of Poverty Project, the Ontario Coalition for Social
Justice, Voices From the Street, among others.

This is a bulletin from 25 in 5 to its contact list of supporters and
interested parties across the province. The Bulletin is intended to keep you
up to date on the implementation of a poverty reduction plan for Ontario and
to let you know how you, your organizations and networks can help make it
happen.

 For more information visit
www.25in5.ca<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?CommunitySocialPlann/902a796d39/eb46af6dad/826a8606c9>


------------------------------
If you no longer wish to receive the 25 in 5 eBulletin, please reply to this
message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line or simply click on the
following link:
Unsubscribe<http://cts.vresp.com/u?902a796d39/eb46af6dad/c97cd5e>
------------------------------
25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction
c/o Community Social Planning Council of Toronto
2 Carlton St., Suite 1001
Toronto, ON M5B 1J3

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-- 
Terrie ( mocharebyl at gmail.com )
"If you see an injustice being committed, you aren't an observer, you are a
participant." June Callwood
Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and
renders the present inaccessible.  Maya Angelou
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