January 21, 2021

Laura Belfie, Director Social Assistance Policy, Planning and Innovation Division Social Assistance Program Policy Branch Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services 4th Flr, 2 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M4W 3E2

Dear Ms. Belfie,

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on recipients of Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) have been devastating. While many Ontarians have received some form of financial support to help them get by, some recipients of ODSP and OW were eligible to receive a small top-up payment of only $100 or $200 from March 2020-July 2020. However, Daily Bread Food Bank reports that only one third of ODSP recipients even knew about the top-up.

OW and ODSP recipients are living off $733 or $1,169 a month respectively—well below the poverty line. More must be done to support these individuals to help lift them out of deep poverty. It is for these reasons that we fully support the request for the Director to impart Directives to Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Directors and Administrators so they are able to provide financial assistance for basic virtual support including, but not limited to, Internet charges, for those in receipt of ODSP and OW who specifically request it.

The most effective way to keep everyone safe during the pandemic is through online appointments, gatherings, and activities. Because of this, many community organizations and medical professionals have transitioned their services to online platforms. It is vital that ODSP and OW recipients have the means to access community and health resources that are available virtually. As it stands, recipients of OW and ODSP have to pay for Internet services out of their basic needs entitlement. Given that the rate of inflation continues to increase, and the allotment for basic needs is barely enough for groceries, phone bills, hydro, etc., many individuals in receipt of social assistance are not able to cover the cost of Internet. Internet has become a vital service and should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their income, geographic location, and health status.

While many local community organizations, such as the Brain Injury Association of Windsor- Essex, have been able to provide technology to OW and ODSP recipients through a federal grant, the grant end date is March 31, 2021. This will mean that many OW and ODSP recipients will no longer be able to access life-saving support and counselling programs.

Directive 7.7 Other Benefits could be amended to allow for monthly, ongoing Internet costs to be covered as a discretionary benefit. We understand that this may require a change in the regulation in order to amend the OW and ODSP policy directives.

We thank you for your prompt and urgent attention to this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have further questions.

Yours very truly,

Lisa Gretzky MPP Windsor West MPP Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Essex

Office of MPP Lisa Gretzky, Windsor West Office of MPP Percy Hatfield, Windsor-Tecumseh Office of MPP Taras Natyshak, Essex 2443 Dougall Ave, Windsor, ON, N8X 1T3 1-5452 Tecumseh Rd E, Windsor, ON, N8T 1C7 316 Talbot St. N, Essex, ON N8M 2E1 519-977-7191 519-251-5199 519-776-6420 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]