But even a person whose application has bee accepted should call for legal advice to see if they have received the amount of money they are entitled to. The People s Inquiry will seek information about all aspects of the ODSP system the application process, who is accepted and who is denied disability status, the transportation policy, and how the Employment Supports part of ODSP is or is not helping people. The groups will probably use a process including focus groups where people with disabilities can tell their stories in a safe forum, and collection of information from community agencies and legal clinics, culminating in a public Inquiry in the fall. A report on the findings of the Inquiry will be produced and publicised. Since people everywhere in the province are experiencing the same issues with ODSP, other communities may wish to consider similar projects.
Children account for almost half of all the people on welfare.
One of the key ways the government has tried to get more people to leave welfare is by lowering welfare rates. However, many parents, primarily single moms, have barriers to leaving welfare and are least able to transition from welfare to work. So, their families are left with incredibly little money over long periods of time. Unfortunately, the Harris government has increased child poverty and increased the barriers for parents to work. The government is boasting that Ontario's welfare caseload has dropped for 24 consecutive months.