Five per cent increase in ODSP funding to be available in September
The Progressive Conservative government has said that recipients of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) will start receiving their five per cent increases in September.
As part of his re-election campaign—and to keep up with his opponents who were all committing to a drastic increase in ODSP payments--Premier Doug Ford promised a five per cent increase in monthly payments for ODSP recipients.
Individuals on ODSP have been receiving $1,169 a month since 2018. A five per cent increase would put an additional $58 in their pockets.
“This is just one of the many ways our government is providing support to those who need it most,” Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy told reporters Tuesday after re-tabling the budget.
The PCs have said they will legislate an annual increase based on inflation, which has ballooned over the last few years.
However, advocates say a five per cent increase is not nearly enough.
Last month, more than 200 advocacy groups signed an open letter asking the Ontario government to double ODSP payment rates. They argued that a five per cent increase tied to inflation would mean ODSP recipients would be constantly struggling.
"With continued inflation, and the associated increase in cost of living, five per cent is not nearly enough of a rate increase to survive," the Income Security Advocacy Centre wrote in their letter.
In a news conference, Bethlenfalvy was asked repeatedly by reporters whether he could live on $1,200 a month. He evaded the questions, saying only that the government was delivering on their campaign commitment.
“The question is, what can we do for the people of Ontario that are the most vulnerable?” Bethlenfalvy said instead. “This is a step in the right direction.”
Meanwhile, the Progressive Conservatives have incorporated a number of other money-saving proposals into their 2022 budget, including eliminating licence plate sticker renewal fees, cutting the gas tax and dolling out money to parents.
The new ODSP payments will begin in September, the ministry said, and are typically made out at the end of the month.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.