Region Calls for Action to Address Erosion of Living Standards for Vulnerable Residents

BRAMPTON, ON (Nov 4, 2024) - Peel Region is urging the provincial government to take immediate action to address the alarming erosion of basic living standards for the Region's most vulnerable residents. In a report presented to Regional Council titled "The Erosion of Basic Living Standards for Peel's Most Vulnerable Residents," Peel Region highlights the growing crisis faced by Ontario Works recipients as social assistance rates remain stagnant despite rising costs of living.

Peel Region has experienced a 41% increase in Ontario Works caseloads over the past year, with more than 32,000 households still waiting for affordable housing. The report highlights the impact of Ontario's stagnant social assistance rates, which have not risen since 2018. To keep up with inflation, Ontario Works rates would need to increase by over $150 per month beyond the current $733 for single individuals. As a result, recipients are forced to endure hardship and insecurity, often unable to meet essential needs like housing, food, and healthcare.

The report outlines key advocacy priorities, including:

• Raising Ontario Works Rates: A critical call to index Ontario Works rates to inflation and significantly raise benefits to reflect the true cost of living.
• Improving Housing Access: With rents far exceeding the support provided, Peel's vulnerable residents are increasingly unable to secure safe and affordable housing.
• Addressing Food Insecurity: In 2023, 20% of Peel households faced food insecurity, with many social assistance recipients unable to afford basic nutrition.
• Improving Access to Mental Health Services: Lengthy wait times for mental health services disproportionately affect low-income residents.

Peel Region's advocacy efforts, in collaboration with community partners, aim to secure the necessary provincial support to address these issues and prevent further hardship for its residents.

Quotation

We are calling on the provincial government to raise Ontario Works rates to a livable standard and index them to inflation. This is not just about poverty alleviation-it's about restoring dignity and stability to our residents

Steve Jacques, MScPI, MCIP, RPP, Commissioner of Human Services, Peel Region