Minister of Community and Social Services Madeleine Meilleur recently announced that the McGuinty government has decided to remove more impediments to
employment and education in order to help residents attain a better future through social assistance. Ms. Meillure further said that the government was on the side of the people who have been struggling to improve their standard of living through education and through finding good employment. According to her, those who are striving to become financially independent from welfare support deserve the assistance of the government.
As such, the announced reform would remove certain rules that prevent the recipients of
social assistance from a life of poverty. There are four major changes introduced to Ontario Works program as well as the Disability Support Program. First, the "quit/fire" rule would be eliminated in order to encourage people to look for jobs. Second, recipients are allowed to keep and maintain a car to help them find a job. Third, all 16-17 year olds dropped out of school and who were cut from the program could have the chance to reapply for support in case they resume with their studies. Fourth, all adult recipients would be encouraged to save some of the money they get from social assistance to ensure their future.
