Have Your Say on Bill 23 - Changes to the ODSP

The following News Release was sent out in April, 2010. Bill 23 is a bill that will impact the Ontario Disability Supports Program (ODSP) and calls for changes to this program. Although a date has not yet been set, Bill 23 will be discussed amongst the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. If you would like to have your opinions heard on this topic, here's what you can do:

• Contact the members of the committee to let them know how you feel about Bill 23:http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/committee-proceedings/committees_detail_members.do?locale=en&detailPage=members&ID=144
• If you, or an organization representative would be interested in appearing before the committee, please contact the committee clerk: Sylwia Przezdziecki, Tel. 416-325-3515, Sylwia_przezdziecki@ontla.ola.org
• Contact your own MPP to let them know what you think of Bill 23. Here is a list of the Members in Ontario: http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/members/members_current.do?locale=en

The News Release:

ODSP Bill Passes 2nd Reading

Queen’s Park --  Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett’s ODSP bill has passed second reading and has been referred to Finance Committee for further debate and consultation.

“This is everyone’s bill – not my bill,” Barrett said following the vote in the Ontario Legislature today. “I am quite heartened with the input from ODSP recipients and their families as well as with the quality of debate today in the House. I am thankful to everyone who has supported and spoken to this bill.”

Barrett’s Private Member’s Bill calls for four things:

1) encourage further employment of ODSP recipients

2) allow recipients to keep more of their earnings

3) allow recipients to retain more assets

4) end the clawback on child support

“I am honoured to stand here and speak in support of this bill,” said NDP member Michael Prue. “I support with all my heart the initiative that he [Toby Barrett] has taken. I thank him for what I see as a sea change perhaps…”

“In our economy, in our culture, in our lives we need to have some level of financial dignity, and a bill of this nature would assist in achieving that,” said Wayne Arthurs, Liberal MPP for Pickering-Scarborough East. 

Barrett’s PC colleague Sylvia Jones also spoke to the bill: “Under our current social assistance system, individuals are being penalized for working. Being part of a working world provides many people with a sense of dignity and belonging. By allowing someone who works part-time while receiving assistance, we are helping to build confidence, résumés and, ultimately, the economy.”

Now that the bill has been referred to committee, Barrett said he is eager for fulsome consultation to ensure the legislation is fair and equitable for everyone involved.

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