Would the Ontario Child Benefit increase the incomes of families receiving social assistance to acceptable levels?
No. The Province’s proposal suggests that families receiving social assistance will see an increase to their incomes equal to the National Child Benefit Supplement. That is, almost $1,500 more per year for their first child, almost $1,300 for their second child and approximately $1,200 for each additional child. Of course, any increase in benefits for social assistance recipients is much needed. However, current OW and ODSP benefits are so low that the potential increase in benefits does not come close to what these families actually need to cover their living costs. 6. The Province argues that removing children from social assistance will reduce the stigma and discrimination they face by being on welfare. Would this be the case? Of course not. The parents of these children will still be receiving welfare. And in all likelihood, these parents will be increasingly marginalized. Taking children off of the social assistance caseload could pave the way for further reforms to Ontario Works
