Open letter to Ford government to address affordability, inclusiveness
United Ways from across Ontario have joined forces in calling on the newly re-elected Doug Ford PC government to address growing concerns related to affordability and inclusiveness.
“Across the board, doesn’t matter what city, what community in Ontario, we are all seeing enormous increases in the amount of need,” said Kelly Ziegner, president and CEO, United Way Elgin Middlesex.
United Way leaders from across Ontario are proposing 21 recommendations to address what they call “un-ignorable hurdles to a strong and vibrant Ontario, especially in the current crisis of affordability.”
They’ve penned an open letter to Premier Doug Ford and his cabinet, calling for action in four key areas:
- Housing security
- Income security and inclusive employment
- Inclusive communities
- Support for the social services sector
“Everyone is feeling the pinch of affordability right now, and that is amplified when you’re living on lower or fixed income,” said Ziegner. “We’re also seeing tremendous need when it comes to mental health services, housing, it runs the gamut.”
It’s a situation understood all too well by Margaret Davison. The 67-year-old Londoner said she scrapes by on ODSP, lives in rent-geared-to-income housing, and recently began using the food bank and a soup kitchen.
“A little bit embarrassed because I had to, but so grateful that it was there for me,” said Davison.
“You know like…I’m just glad that I’m in rent geared to income because I don’t know how the people that are market rents are managing,” she added while fighting back tears.
The letter goes on to commend the government on “promising policies that support Ontario workers,” including changes to labour legislation regarding temp agencies, and the $13.2 billion child care agreement with the federal government.
It asks the government to continue in this direction when it comes to supports for social services.
“Locally, in Elgin Middlesex, we’re hearing the same thing from those front-line agencies, where people are not having enough to scrape by, let alone participate in their community,” said Ziegner.
Among the recommendations that hits close to home for London residents is the call for immediate passage of the Our London Family Act, which recognizes last year’s tragic deaths of the Afzaal family, and aims to end racism.
“These are policy recommendations that could and should work across all parties, and so that’s the spirit in which we come to these conversations,” said Ziegner.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.