Hunger Report 2019

Ontario’s Changing Employment Landscape and Its Impact on Food Bank Use In This Report

Executive Summary 4 About Feed Ontario

Feed Ontario (formerly the Ontario Association of Food Banks) is a Poverty in Ontario 5 network of 130 direct member food banks and over 1,100 affiliate hunger- relief agencies that are united in their work to address and prevent hunger Poverty and Food Insecurity 7 and poverty.

Through emergency food support, innovative programming, and a Who Uses Food Banks? 8 commitment to investigating long-term solutions to poverty, the provincial food bank network works tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of Feature: Ontario’s Changing Employment Landscape 11 the adults and families it serves.

I. Ontario’s Changing Labour Market 13

About This Report II. Ontario’s Changing Labour Laws 17 The 2019 Hunger Report provides analysis of the data gathered by the Ontario food bank network, through the Link2Feed client intake system, III. Ontario’s Changing Social Safety Net 19 between April 1st 2018 – March 31st, 2019. This report also includes a special feature on emerging trends in the Ontario labour force and the impact on low-income Ontarians. IV. Ontario’s Changing Social Assistance Programs 23

Feed Ontario would like to thank its direct and affiliate member food banks, Recommendations for Change 27 and their staff and volunteers, for their hard work in surveying visitors to the food bank, and the invaluable role that they play in addressing hunger Beyond the Table 31 and developing solutions to poverty every single day.

To learn more, visit www.feedontario.ca Feed Change 34 Executive Summary

etween April 1st, 2018 – In November 2018, the provincial March 31st, 2019, Ontario’s government announced their food banks were accessed intention to reform Ontario’s social Bby 510,438 individuals that assistance programs, expressing visited more than 3,059,000 times concern about the increasing throughout the year. The primary number of people accessing reason that an individual or family support, and the difficulty that may need to access a food bank is many face in re-entering or because they do not have sufficient remaining in the workforce. While income to afford all of their basic improvements to these programs necessities each month. are needed, there is a concern that Ontario’s current job market In recognizing that income is does not provide employment directly linked to food bank use, it is opportunities that ensure workers important to understand the income have access to sufficient wages, source of those requiring support. hours, or permanent positions. In Ontario, over 70 percent of those that access food banks cite social In order to make meaningful assistance or government benefits, improvements to social assistance like Employment Insurance, as their outcomes, Ontario needs a primary source of income. workforce that provides good stable jobs, labour laws that protect Over the last three years a new workers, and strong social security trend has started to emerge, with programs that properly assist those Ontario’s food banks seeing an that have lost their jobs or who increasing number of individuals become injured in the workplace. with either full or part time For those that require the support employment income requiring of Ontario Works or ODSP, these emergency food support to make programs need to provide sufficient ends meet. This report argues that support for individuals to remain there are a number of contributing healthy and move out of poverty. factors to this emerging trend, Poverty In including a rise in precarious and Feed Ontario believes that its vision temporary employment, changes of ending poverty and hunger is to Ontario’s labour laws, and shared by all levels of government, insufficient support provided by and that there has never been a Ontario’s worker support programs. greater need for collective action than there is today. Ontario HUNGER REPORT 2019 FEED ONTARIO 4 hen we think about poverty, it is The relationship between food Poverty insecurity and poverty, however, often the state of not having enough goes beyond the inability to personal or household income that and Food purchase sufficient, safe, nutritious, comes to mind; but, poverty is actually and culturally appropriate food. While poverty undeniably causes much more than insufficient income. Insecurity food insecurity, it is arguable that W food insecurity also contributes Living in poverty includes a lack of fall, the income gap between hile food banks to poverty. To expand, individuals access to necessities and services, lower income people and provide a myriad that report food insecurity also like health care or information, other people has to narrow. of services to help report poor functional health or an as well as obstacles that make individuals living inability to perform key activities it difficult for an individual or W • Market Basket Measure in poverty, their primary role is due to health problems, long-term family to participate in society in a (MBM): is based on the to alleviate food insecurity. Food physical and/ or mental disabilities 1 meaningful way. For example, an concept of an individual or insecurity is directly linked to that limit activity at home, work or individual living in poverty might not family not having enough poverty, but is specific to the ability school, multiple chronic conditions, be able to afford transportation to income to afford the cost of a of an individual or household to and major depression.8 visit a doctor when needed, or pay basket of goods and services, secure sufficient, safe, nutritious, for a child to go on a field trip with POVERTY such as housing, food, and and culturally appropriate food AND HARD CHOICES their classmates. Living in poverty basic necessities. Therefore, that meets their dietary needs.5 goes beyond the insufficient access when the incomes of lower DECREASED LOW to safe housing and nutritious food; ABILITY NUTRITION income people rise, the MBM Similar to understanding poverty, TO WORK FOODS it includes social exclusion and rate tends to fall, because barriers to living a full life. there are a number of ways more people can afford this to measure food insecurity in basket of goods. Canada, but the Household Food In understanding the complexity MEDICAL CHRONIC Security Survey Module (HFSSM) COSTS DISEASES of poverty, there are a number In 2018, the Canadian government is widely considered to be the of different measures used to set the Market Basket Measure most comprehensive tool. At Individuals require sufficient, determine what it means to live as Canada’s first official poverty present, participation in the survey nutritious food in order to live with a low income and how many line, which determined that there is completed on a voluntary basis healthy lives and to have the individuals and families fall within are 3,471,300 Canadians living in by each provincial government, ability to participate in society this category. Two of the most poverty. In Ontario, using the same with Ontario most recently on daily basis. Without sufficient common measurements used are measurement, there are 1,435,140 participating in the survey in 2014. food, health conditions that affect the Low Income Measure and the people living below the poverty The results of this survey revealed an individual’s ability to secure Market Basket Measure. As defined line, including 213,624 children.3 that 11.9 percent of Ontarian or maintain employment, attend 2 by Statistics Canada: To put this into perspective, this households were food insecure.6 In school, or access external support means that 1 in every 10 Ontarians understanding that food insecurity make it even more difficult for • Low Income Measure (LIM): has insufficient income to afford and poverty are closely connected, the individual to move out of is based on the concept of a modest, basic standard of it is not surprising that during the poverty. It is in this way that food an individual or family having living, including: a nutritious diet, same year, 12 percent of Ontario’s insecurity perpetuates poverty and a low income relative to the clothing and footwear, shelter with population fell under the Market why ongoing access to sufficient, Canada-wide median. In electricity, heat, and water, and Basket Measure.7 nutritious food is essential to general, for the LIM rate to transportation.4 breaking the cycle. HUNGER REPORT 2019 FEED ONTARIO 6 7 (6.1 percent). 9 When looking at per year), or more than double the Further, outside of a small increase Who Uses social assistance specifically, food income presently available.12 For for individuals that live in Northern insecurity rates more than double, individuals accessing the Ontario Ontario, the province’s social Food Banks? with over 61 percent of Canadian Disability Support Program, assistance programs do not account households that rely on social which provides $1,169 per month for the difference in the cost of assistance as their main source of ($14,028 per year), their income living between rural communities etween April 1, 2018 and income experiencing moderate falls $472 short of what would be or large urban centres. As a result, March 31, 2019, Ontario’s to severe food insecurity.10 needed to meet this modest, basic the income gap can fall anywhere food banks were accessed These figures are mirrored in standard of living. For individuals between 23 to 60 percent below by 510,438 unique B Ontario’s food bank data, which living on a tight budget, where what is needed, depending on individuals, including 169,167 showed that 71 percent of every single dollar is accounted where the individual or family lives. children. This is an increase of the households indicated social for, a $470 shortfall every month In addition to the increasing number 8,848 people (or 1.8 percent) assistance programs or government can feel insurmountable. What’s of individuals accessing Ontario’s over the previous year. Individuals benefits as their primary source of more, this shortfall is growing, as social assistance programs, the and families turn to food banks income. the income provided by Ontario impact of insufficient income when they do not have access to Works and ODSP are not being compared to the cost of living can sufficient income for all of their When looking at social assistance maintained alongside inflation. In be seen in the increasing number basic needs each month. It is for 2018, the income gap of Ontario of visits to the province’s hunger- this reason that a household’s rates compared to the Market Basket Measure (MBM), it is Works, for example, fell $877 below relief services, which now total over main source of income is an the average MBM – one year later, 3,059,000 annually – a 4.2 percent important factor in understanding unsurprising that individuals or households that rely on these it now falls $908 below the MBM, increase over the previous year. the drivers of food bank use in the with no sign that this will improve. province. Households that rely on programs would require the support government assistance, inclusive of food banks to help make ends meet. Ontario Works, for example, of social assistance, employment Shortfall Shortfall provides recipients with $733 Geography MBM ODSP OW insurance, worker’s compensation, ODSP OW per month (or $8,796 per year);11 and Old Age Security, have much Rural Areas $1,639 $1,169 $733 -$470 -$906 higher rates of food insecurity (21.4 however, meeting the average MBM Small Population percent) than households with an for a single person household would $1,630 $1,169 $733 -$461 -$897 Centres alternate main source of income require $1,641 per month ($19,700 Medium Population $1,528 $1,169 $733 -$359 -$795 Centres Large Urban $1,646 $1,169 $733 -$477 -$913 510,438 Centres individuals accessed a food bank Ottawa-Gatineau $1,790 $1,169 $733 -$621 -$1,057 in Ontario (+1.8% over 2018) Hamilton $1,655 $1,169 $733 -$486 -$922 Toronto $1,812 $1,169 $733 -$643 -$1,079

FIgure 1.1 social assistance in ontario Falls below what is needed for a basic standard of living | market basket measure13 versus ontario 33% works14 and ontario disability support program15 support levels, single 3,059,857 of food bank person household* visits were made to food banks in visitors were *Social assistance recipients that live north of the 50th parallel and in communities without year- Ontario (+4.2% over 2018) children round road access, may be eligible to an additional basic needs benefit of $272 per month HUNGER REPORT 2019 FEED ONTARIO 8 9 FIgure 1.2 Housing type FIgure 1.5 Reason for visiting

Private Rental 72.0% Benefit / Social Assistance 38.1% Social Housing 15.4% Changes Home Owner 4.6% Low Wages / Delayed 10.3% Wages / Not Enough Hours With Family / Friends 4.0% Relocation (Immigration / 10.7% Emergency Shelter 2.1% Moving) Band Owned 0.4% Unexpected Expense 10.6% Homeless 0.7% Unemployed / Recently Lost 12.4% Youth Home 0.3% Job Rooming House 0.4% Sickness / Medical Expense 5.9% Homeless 4.0% Debt 2.6% Unexpected Housing 1.2% FIgure 1.3 Household composition Expense / Natural Disaster Benefit / Social Assistance 38.1% Single Person 53.0% Delays Single Parent Families 18.8% Family Breakup 1.3% Two Parent Families 14.3% Couples, No Children 6.7% Other 7.3%

FIgure 1.6 primary source of income

FIgure 1.4 Highest level of Disability-Related Benefits 31.0% education completed Social Assistance 31.1% Some Elementary or High 30.3% Employment Income 9.2% School Old-Age Pension 6.8% High School Diploma 32.8% Employment Insurance 1.8% College Diploma 13.4% Student Loans or 0.8% Scholarship Feature: Some Post Secondary 9.5% University Degree 10.2% Canada Child Benefit 0.3% Trade Certificate / 2.0% No Income 8.0% Professional Accreditation Other 0.1% Master’s Degree/PhD 1.9% Ontario’s Changing Employment Landscape HUNGER REPORT 2019 FEED ONTARIO 10 gain work experience or earn a little hile social assistance recipients remain I. Ontario’s extra income. Today, however, this the largest group of food bank users in demographic has shifted: nearly Changing half of all minimum wage workers Ontario, a concerning trend has started are 25 years or older, more than to emerge: there is a growing number one-third hold a post-secondary of individuals that are working but Labour Market degree, and almost half are working Wrequire the support of a food bank to make ends meet. full-time. Further, and perhaps most significantly, there has been a 163 ntario’s labour market percent increase in the percentage With unemployment rates in Ontario food. This is further supported by has undergone a number of minimum wage workers that are at their lowest point in ten years,16 one of the most common reasons of changes over the last 55 years or older. These troubling this may seem counterintuitive. for requiring food bank support, 20 years. While it might statistics indicate that minimum However, when taking a deeper which is low wages and insufficient O have once been the norm for an wage positions, once held primarily look at the primary reasons why hours at work. Finally, while the individual to graduate from high by high school students, are now people access food banks, as well proportion of those who cite school or university and immediately filled by skilled, working-aged as significant changes to Ontario’s Employment Insurance as their move into a full-time, permanent adults that are relying on these labour market, labour laws, and primary source of income has position in the workforce, the jobs as their primary source of social safety net, this development remained the same, the proportion reality today is drastically different income. This is further supported is perhaps unsurprising. Further, of people that indicate they are for many Ontarians. by data that shows the percentage it is arguable that the number of accessing the food bank due to a of workers that are being paid food bank users with employment recent job loss has nearly doubled In 1998, the majority of minimum minimum wage has tripled over the income will only continue to grow from 6.6 percent in 2017 to 12.4 wage positions in Canada were held last 20 years, now representing 15 if significant improvements are not percent in 2019. by young people in high school that percent of Ontario’s workforce.18 made to the income opportunities were working part-time17 in order to and support programs available to There has been a 27 Ontarians. percent increase in the proportion of people The Changing Face of Minimum Wage Workers When looking at Ontario’s food bank with employment income data, there are a number of specific accessing food banks pieces of information that support the trend that more working people In understanding that there are are having trouble affording all of more people with employment their basic necessities each month. income accessing food banks, and The first is that there has been a 27 that even a recent job loss is moving percent increase in the proportion people into poverty, it raises two of people with employment income questions: Is Ontario’s job market accessing food banks over the last providing quality employment three years. This suggests that opportunities? And, are the although these individuals are supports that were put in place to 48% 45% 35% working, they have been unable to protect workers from poverty in secure sufficient income for all of are over 25 are full-time have a post- the event of unemployment serving years of age workers secondary diploma their monthly expenses, including their purpose? HUNGER REPORT 2019 FEED ONTARIO 12 13 16% 14% 19% 12% 17% 10% 8% 15% 6% 13% 4% 2% 11% 0% 9% NL PEI NS NB QC ON MB SK AB BC 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016

1998 2018 Part-time Self-employed Temporary employees

FIgure 2.1 ontario has the highest proportion of minimum wage FIgure 2.2 precarious work is on the rise | Part-time, Self-Employed, and workers in canada | minimum wage workers as percentage of total Temporary workers as a percentage of all workers24, 25, 26 workforce19 In addition to insufficient income, For the younger demographic, this There are a number of reasons why work, clothing and personal care the increasingly precarious nature of is problematic because it affects this significant change in Ontario’s items, or even nutritious food. Ontario’s workforce is of significant their ability to save for purchases labour market is concerning. When looking at Ontario’s food concern. Since 1998, there has like a home or support a family. For The first is that minimum wage bank data, more than 87 percent been a 31 percent increase in the the older demographic, this affects positions typically do not provide of those that require the support of proportion of workers employed their ability to save for retirement sufficient income, particularly when hunger-relief agencies are rental or in temporary positions, such as at what would typically be the peak compared to Ontario’s rising cost social housing tenants who spend casual, seasonal, and contract of their earning potential. There of living and rental rates across the nearly 70 percent of their monthly 27 22 roles. Temporary positions has also been an increase in self- province. To illustrate, the average income on housing costs alone. typically have lower compensation employment, particularly amongst cost of a one-bedroom apartment Further, the example above is only 20 than their permanent counterparts independent contractors and in Ontario is $1,105 per month; reflective of circumstances where and make it difficult for employees freelancers,30 who lack traditional however, a full-time, minimum an apartment can be found for to secure consistent, predictable protections of employment, such as wage worker who earns $14 per that price. In Oakville, for example, income. Further, moving between benefits, the ability to unionize, and hour earns only $2,100 per month where the average one-bedroom temporary positions makes it access to Employment Insurance.31 before taxes. While the worker apartment is $1,310 per month, a significantly more difficult for may be able to pay for rent each minimum wage worker would need individuals to build their savings In understanding that Ontario’s month, this expense alone occupies to work 78 hours per week to afford or invest in long-term security, as 23 workforce has started to shift away 53 percent of their total before- this expense alone. savings accumulated are often tax monthly income. Housing is from full-time, permanent work spent between contracts, when towards more temporary, minimum considered affordable when it Nearly half of all minimum 28 employment income is unavailable. wage positions, it is unsurprising occupies no more than 30 percent wage workers are 25 Over the last 40 years, there has of a household’s total income.21 that there are more individuals and years or older, more than been a significant increase in part- families with employment income When a worker is spending 53 time work, with the majority of percent of their income on housing, one-third hold a post- that also require the support of secondary degree, and the growth concentrated in two a food bank to make ends meet. as in this example, there is very age demographics: those between little left for all other necessities, almost half are working However, this is not the only factor 25 – 29 years of age and those at play. like transportation to and from full-time. between 55 – 59 years of age.29 HUNGER REPORT 2019 FEED ONTARIO 14 15 Precarious work is impacting those at the beginning her into work last minute, she no II. Ontario’s longer has the right to refuse that and end of their careers: shift. As a result, she may have to Changing choose between picking her child 25-29 year olds 55-59 year olds up from school or potentially losing her job. If this same mother had experienced a experienced a Labour Laws already used her two unpaid sick days during the year, and her child became sick, she could once again 116% 44% he change in Ontario’s be put in the position of having increase In part- increase In part- workforce has been to choose between caring for her time work since time work since accompanied by a number child and her source of income. 1976 1976 T of significant changes to the province’s labour laws. The Not only does this put incredible Precarious work often means lower wages: most recent of these changes took stress on a family and make it place in 2018, with the Government easier for employers to terminate of Ontario’s introduction of the employees for reasons beyond ‘Making Ontario Open for Business Part-Time their control, but it also increases Act’ (see Figure 2.4). This act was the risk of workplace illnesses and Full Time developed in an effort to reduce injuries. Cancelling paid sick days regulations for businesses, with Temporary means that employees that cannot hope that it would encourage afford to miss work are more likely Permanent greater investment in Ontario. to go into work when unwell.35 This Non-union is further supported by the fact that While generating new business less than one-third of those making Union in the province is essential to $20,000 or less year have access to $- $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 $35 the growth of the economy, it is employer health benefits.36 arguable that many of the changes FIgure 2.3 average hourly wage by job type32, 33 made through the act created a more While changes to Ontario’s labour challenging work environment for laws might draw more business workers in temporary or part-time into the province, it is questionable Increasing precarious work impacts food bank use: positions. For example, workers no if the province is attracting quality longer have the right to refuse a jobs that are beneficial to working last-minute, unscheduled request age Ontarians. Further, it is to work, or have the right to paid arguable that these changes do not 34 sick days. create an environment that ensures 27% 88% employees remain healthy and are increase in the increase in the To illustrate how these changes able to secure sufficient income for proportion of proportion of food could impact an Ontario worker, all of their basic needs, nor save for food bank clients bank clients who consider a single mother who unexpected expenses, periods of with employment have had a recent works part-time at a local retail unemployment, or even retirement. income over the job loss over the store. If her employer were to call last three years last two years HUNGER REPORT 2019 FEED ONTARIO 16 17 liability, which is the gap between Employers are no longer required to pay part-time, Equal Pay for III. Ontario’s future compensation claims and temporary, or casual workers the same rate as their Equal Work the funds set aside to pay these permanent, full-time counterparts Changing claims. This work was completed in 2018 and, while it did result in Workers no longer have the right to refuse a last- employers receiving a 30 percent Short Notice minute, unscheduled request to work, nor are they Social Safety reduction in their premiums,39 it also Scheduling entitled to three hours’ pay if a shift was cancelled included a number of changes to Changes with less than 48 hours’ notice Net the programs and support services available to injured or sick workers. For example, WSIB’s overhaul In the case of a dispute about whether or not hen a worker loses included a reduction in spending someone is misclassified as an independent their job, whether on drug benefits for claimants, a contractor, the onus has been shifted onto the due to injury or the Misclassification policy to cut benefits for those worker to prove that they are an employee of a changing workforce, of Employees W with pre-existing conditions (even company, instead of the company having to prove there are a number of services, if the condition did not impact the worker is not an employee programs, and benefits that have their work prior to their injury),40 been put in place to help the and a ‘return to work’ program Rules that made it easier for certain sectors of individual and family while they that many critics believe pressures Unionization workers to unionize have been cancelled seek new employment. What is workers to return to their jobs concerning, however, is that these before they have fully recovered.41 The two paid sick days and eight unpaid emergency programs too have undergone a While the policy regarding pre- leave days have been cancelled, and were replaced number of changes over the years, existing conditions was eventually with eight unpaid personal days, including three sick and are arguably no longer serving Sick Days reversed, it had a significant impact days, two bereavement days, and three personal the same purpose that was once on at least 4,500 workers whose days; employers are once again allowed to ask for intended. Two examples of this are benefits were reduced as a result doctor’s notes the support services and benefits of its implementation.42 offered by the Workplace Safety Previous regulations required worksites to employ Insurance Board (WSIB), and Apprenticeship a certain number of experienced journeymen for Employment Insurance (EI). In evaluating the changes made Ratio every apprentice, depending on the trade; now, all to WSIB, it is arguable that this workplaces only need a 1:1 ratio program is not providing the same WSIB, an arms-length agency of the support to injured workers as it had Ministry of Labour, is responsible it the past. This is further supported FIgure 2.4 selected changes to ontario’s labour laws, Making Ontario for ensuring that individuals receive by data that shows that five years Open for Business Act 201837, 38 compensation for workplace after WSIB’s overhaul began, the injuries or occupational disease. percentage of workplace injury This board is funded by premiums claims that the board recognized paid by businesses and employers as permanent injuries decreased who, in turn, cannot be sued by by more than one third.43 What employees who have become this indicates is that workplace injured or ill while working. In 2010, injuries or illnesses that may have WSIB underwent a significant once been covered by WSIB are overhaul to reduce its unfunded no longer eligible, leaving many HUNGER REPORT 2019 FEED ONTARIO 18 19 injured workers with no other Unemployment Insurance in 1940, loss, previously applicable to 95 is required to work 700 hours choice but to turn to the Ontario with the purpose of providing percent of unemployed Canadians, before being able to access EI. Disability Support Program (ODSP) ‘adequate support for all persons it is now only available to 40 At this threshold, they would for income assistance.44 This can experiencing temporary earning percent nation-wide. In Ontario, be eligible for a maximum of 14 be financially devastating for an interruptions’.47 Eventually, this the accessibility of EI is even lower, weeks of this benefit. In contrast, individual because while WSIB program was adapted to include with only 28 percent of unemployed in Newfoundland, where the provides 85% of a worker’s take- special benefits, such as sick Ontarians receiving support. unemployment rate is 13.1 percent, home pay (up to maximum of leave and parental leave, with the an individual would only be 45 $90,300), the income provided cost of the program being shared While there are several factors that required to work 420 hours before by ODSP falls significantly below by employees, employers, and contribute to Ontario having the accessing support, and would the poverty line, providing only the federal government. In 1990, lowest EI coverage in the country, it receive a maximum of 26 weeks of 51 $14,028 per year. It is perhaps then however, the federal government is arguable that one of the primary this benefit. not surprising that 46 percent of discontinued its contribution to reasons is a policy called ‘Variable injured workers with permanent the program. This was followed by Entry Requirements’. This policy To compound this issue, EI’s design impairments end up living in poverty a number of significant changes, sets the hours needed to qualify is best suited to workers that have 46 five years after their accident. including: a reduction in the amount for EI by the unemployment level in held full-time, permanent positions, of income provided to claimants, a each province, under the principle under one employer, rather than Similar to WSIB, Employment reduction in the length of time that that higher unemployment rates those that work in temporary or Insurance (EI) has undergone a support is available to claimants, make it more difficult to find a contract positions, or as freelancers number of significant changes and more restrictive eligibility new job. In Ontario, where the and independent contractors.52 48 that have made it less accessible requirements. This resulted in a unemployment rate is 5.6 percent This is supported by data that to the recipients it was initially significant decrease in the number (as of August 2019),50 an individual shows only 55 percent of temporary designed to support. EI of working-age adults that are was originally established as eligible to receive EI following a job 700,000

80% 600,000

500,000

79% 400,000

300,000

78% 200,000

100,000 77% - 1976 1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2011 2016

76% Unemployed, Not Receiving EI Unemployed EI Claimants 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 FIgure 2.6 Employment insurance now covers fewer unemployed people FIgure 2.5 Claims approved by the wsib have declined | WSIB allowed in ontario | unemployed individuals vs average employment insurance claims as a percentage of registered claims49 recipients (less special benefits), ontario53, 54, 55 HUNGER REPORT 2019 FEED ONTARIO 20 21 employees and 47 percent of part- requirements make accessing the Since 1995, there has been a time workers meet Ontario’s 700 support a significant challenge. This IV. Ontario’s significant increase in individuals hour threshold.56 Individuals that is particularly true in understanding accessing ODSP, with the number are self-employed or classified the changing workforce and Changing of beneficiaries, as a percentage as independent contractors are factors that make obtaining full- of the population, nearly doubling. ineligible for regular benefits. time, permanent positions difficult. Some of this growth can be Further, an individual that holds Further, while connecting EI to Social attributable to an increase in overall multiple part-time jobs to make the unemployment rate might demand on disability support ends meet, but loses one of these have once made sense, today’s Assistance programs, due to factors like an jobs, would not receive EI benefits unemployment rate does not tell aging population and an increase for the job lost. What’s more, the complete story when looking Programs in individuals with mental illnesses workers earning lower wages are at the quality of the jobs available. and disorders accessing supports.61 unlikely to derive much benefit from When EI is accessible, it acts as n November 2018, the However, there has also been a this support, as EI only provides 55 an important poverty prevention Government of Ontario simultaneous and disproportionate 57 percent of the individual’s former tool; however, when it is accessible announced its intention to growth of social assistance over pay. to only 1 in 3 Ontarians, it is no reform the province’s social other forms of disability income longer meeting its purpose in I supports available to Canadians.62 assistance programs, Ontario Works providing support for ‘all persons While the majority of working and ODSP,60 expressing concern This is has been referred to as experiencing temporary earning Canadians are required to pay about the increasing number of the ‘welfareization of disability.’ interruptions’. into EI, its limited eligibility people accessing support, as To expand, most of the disability well as the difficulty that many support programs in Canada recipients experience in moving are tied to current employment off the program and back into the or require a certain level of workforce. However, while payroll contributions, such as EI- Ontario reforming Ontario’s social Sickness or Canada Pension Plan- Al berta assistance programs to better serve Disability. As the job market grows increasingly more precarious, it British Columbia recipients is necessary, this is only one piece of the puzzle. becomes more difficult for workers Man itoba

Canada

Saskatchewan 12% Quebec 10%

Nova Scotia 8% 6% New Brunswick 4% Newfoundland and Labrador 2% Prince Edward Island 0% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120% 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 OW ODSP Total

FIgure 2.7 ontario has the lowest ei coverage in canada | regular employment insurance claimaints as a percentage of unemployed FIgure 2.8 social assistance recipients in Ontario, as a percentage of individuals, by province58, 59 the population63, 64, 65, 66 HUNGER REPORT 2019 FEED ONTARIO 22 23 was left with nerve damage in his 600,000 500,000 Sharie’s Story arms and hands. Our lives were 400,000 Brockville and Area Food devastated. We lost everything – 300,000 our home, vehicles, and our dignity 200,000 Bank – while waiting for CPP for my 100,000 husband, which took over 2 years - to get. ODSP WSIB EI-Sickness

2002 2018 This is when we found out about the food bank. When we went FIgure 2.9 ODSP has increased while coverage through other disability to register, I cried through the support programs have decreased or remained stagnant | oDSP whole process. The intake person beneficiaries, WSIB Allowed claims, and EI-Sickness beneficiaries67, 68, 69, 71 was very understanding and not judgmental. When we got to the to qualify for these benefits. When individuals that exit the program counter to collect our food, the benefits are available, they are and into the workforce are doing server that was helping us was very often inadequate or have stringent so without a financial cushion to kind and helpful. She tried to make requirements. Combined with the offset periods of unemployment, our experience a little easier for us. decline in support from WSIB, it and simultaneously are moving into is arguable that workers who have jobs that make it difficult to save. When our lives started to calm become disabled are increasingly It is therefore unsurprising that 40 y name is Sharon down and the chemo trips to left with no option but to turn percent of Ontario Works recipients (Sharie) Mallette. I Kingston were over, we got settled to social assistance for support. return to the program within a year. would like to take a into an apartment. My husband Should the provincial government M moment and thank all was making some progress with involved with keeping the food narrow the eligibility for ODSP, as To make meaningful improvements his arms and hand and he could bank running and all the help my proposed in November 2018, these to social assistance outcomes, now write his name, but constant husband and I received at the individuals could be pushed further Ontario needs a workforce that pain is permanent and most of his 71 Brockville Food Bank. into poverty. provides good, stable jobs, labour fine motor skills were gone. It was laws that protect workers, and around this time my doctor said I Ontario Works is also under review, social security programs that My story starts with Percy and I needed to do something to look due to concerns over the high properly assist those that have working our whole lives. I worked after myself to spend time out of proportion of recipients who return lost their job or become injured 30 years at the same company our home: join a group or a hobby, to the program.72 While changes in the workplace. For those who before going on Disability. Percy something where I could interact to the program, such as increased do require the support of Ontario worked 25 years before the plant with other people. This is when I employment-seeking supports and Works or ODSP, these programs closed down. Then he drove turned to the food bank again, this wrap-around services, are steps in need to provide sufficient support transport until he was unable time to volunteer. They helped me the right direction, the employment for individuals to heal or remain to continue, needing a knee as much as I am helping them. I opportunities available to those healthy, move out of poverty, and replacement surgery in February think my experience as a client looking for work are increasingly return to being an active participant 2013. Four weeks later in March, he helps me interact with the client precarious. Further, Ontario Works in their community. was diagnosed with colon cancer coming into the food bank for the has a number of rules that restrict and given emergency surgery. first time or on a regular basis. saving for the future. As a result, The surgery didn’t go well, and he HUNGER REPORT 2019 FEED ONTARIO 24 25 As time went on and my Danielle’s* husband looked into other employment options, Christmas was Story approaching. I wasn’t sure how we were going to provide a Christmas House of Lazarus for our children. I received a call from House of Lazarus to come pick up some gifts for the kids. I was thrilled! I remember pulling in and thinking how wonderful it was going to be to have a few gifts for the kids. I was not prepared for what came next.

“I didn’t like the idea of asking for help but I knew we had to do something. I went and am so glad that I did. I never felt judged or uncomfortable.”

ix months after the birth of We were given everything for a our third child my husband full Turkey dinner, treats for the was laid off. It was common holidays, several gifts for the to be laid off in his line of kids and for us as well. It was S overwhelming. I cried the whole way work so we were patiently waiting for him to get called back in, but home. Someone who we did not unfortunately it didn’t happen. We know gave us the most memorable weren’t sure how we were going to Christmas ever. We are forever feed our family and the stress we grateful for everything House felt was immeasurable. of Lazarus and our anonymous guardian angel gave to us. Recommendations Someone suggested we go to House of Lazarus for help. I didn’t *Name changed by request like the idea of asking for help but I knew we had to do something. I went and am so glad that I did. I never felt judged or uncomfortable. For Change We were welcomed with open arms. HUNGER REPORT 2019 FEED ONTARIO 26 n July 2019, Feed Ontario released a map that 2. Retain the current and reducing eligibility, result in worse health outcomes for those revealed hunger and food bank use exist in every definition of ‘disability’ currently accessing the program, electoral riding across the province. Food insecurity under the Ontario but that it would come at a greater is an issue that crosses all party lines and requires Disability Support cost to the province through increased stress on Ontario’s committed action by all levels of government. Program health care system. As stated in the I letter, “restrictive reforms limiting In November 2018, the Government access to ODSP will push very of Ontario announced that it might Feed Ontario would like to put poor people with disabilities into Feed Ontario recommends align the provincial definition forward the following three increasing social assistance deeper poverty, increase stress, of disability under the Ontario recommendations as the first steps rates to reflect today’s Market lead to worse health outcomes and Disability Support Program to a for the Government of Ontario to Basket Measure, as well possible homelessness. This will federal definition. While there is no take in addressing food insecurity as strengthening government put further strain on our healthcare single federal definition of disability, and poverty across the province: benefits, like Employment Insurance system, social services and other the most common definitions and WSIB, to ensure they meet the government services, costing more are significantly more restrictive needs of their recipients. Further, over the long term.” 1. Close the gap between than what is currently used by Feed Ontario supports Bill 60, ODSP, and often exclude episodic social assistance rates and which would see the establishment illnesses, like cancer, multiple Feed Ontario recommends the of a social assistance research Ontario’s Market Basket sclerosis, depression, diabetes, and provincial government retains its commission to advise the provincial Measure Parkinson’s disease. current definition of disability, government on policy directives ensuring that Ontarians, when and rates. faced with debilitating illness, are Social assistance rates have In the last year, one in three able to access the support they remained almost stagnant in households that accessed food Investing in income-security is an need. Ontario, while the cost of living has banks indicated the Ontario evidence-based solution to poverty continued to climb. This has made Disability Support Program as that not only improves the health it increasingly more difficult for their primary source of income. By and wellbeing of individuals and individuals and families to balance restricting the definition, it is likely families, but of communities and already tight budgets, and puts that many of these individuals, the province as well. many in the position of having to already living with insufficient go without essential necessities, income, would no longer qualify like warm clothing, heat or hydro, for this support and, consequently, medicine, support services, and would fall into even deeper levels food. While program recipients poverty. are doing their best to get back on their feet, the insufficient In September 2019, Feed Ontario support provided by Ontario’s signed a letter alongside 80 Ontario social assistance programs health care and service groups and government benefits often urging the provincial government perpetuate poverty and makes it to reverse this proposed change.74 even more difficult for individuals Further, the letter argued that not and families to break the cycle of only would changing the definition, poverty. HUNGER REPORT 2019 FEED ONTARIO 28 29 3. Invest in affordable implementation and the design of the portable housing benefit have housing and a portable not yet been released. housing benefit With over 87 percent of Ontario’s In addition to providing improved food bank clients being rental or income opportunities for Ontarians, social housing tenants, affordable it is equally important to ensure that housing options are essential to basic necessities are affordable. addressing poverty. In alignment For housing to be considered with the National Housing Strategy, affordable, it should not exceed more than 30 percent of a Feed Ontario recommends: the household’s annual income. development and introduction However, the average food bank of a portable housing benefits client spends more than 70 percent to assist low-income individuals of their annual income on rent and families with the high cost or housing. As a fixed expense of housing; investments in the and non-negotiable cost, many construction and repair of new individuals and families have no and existing housing units; and the other choice but to go without development of a three-year action other basic necessities, like heat, plan that sets targets outlining how hydro, medicine, or food, in order the Government of Ontario will use to keep the roof over their head. federal and cost-matched funding to achieve the desired outcomes. In 2017, the Government of Canada unveiled its first National Housing Strategy, with the Government of Ontario reaffirming its commitment to cost-match the federal investments in its 2019 budget. This agreement will provide $4.2 billion in new federal and provincial funding to the Ontario housing sector over the next nine years, including funding for the repair, renewal, and expansion of Beyond the social housing and a new Canada- Ontario Housing Benefit for low- income individuals and families. While this continued commitment to the National Housing Strategy is promising, details about its Table HUNGER REPORT 2019 FEED ONTARIO 30 eed Ontario represents a network of 130 good food from being wasted. This the supervision of a Red Seal Chef. direct member food banks and over 1,100 includes surplus products or items The soup is then flash frozen and that are close to their best before distributed across the province to affiliate hunger-relief agencies. Together, this date, but that are still safe and communities in need, including network provides emergency food support nutritious to eat. areas that might have limited access and services to over 510,000 people who visit to fresh fruits and vegetables, like F One example of the work being Northern Ontario. more than three million times per year. done to address food waste while supporting adults and families in While Feed Ontario and the The role that food banks play, which would see the development needs is the ‘Farm to Food Program’ provincial food bank network however, does not end at emergency of a social assistance research in Windsor, Ontario. This program is working hard to address an food support. Across the province, commission to advise on policy is run in partnership between the immediate need for food support, food banks provide a diverse range directives and income rates, as Unemployed Help Centre (UHC), this work should not supplement or of services to meet the growing well as advocating against cuts Feed Ontario, and Food Banks replace an adequate social safety needs of their community. This and changes to Ontario’s social Canada. Through this program, net or quality employment for includes: job fairs and resume assistance programs that could excess produced is rescued from Ontarians. writing workshops, interview negatively impact the recipients. local farms and prepared into prep, assistance with filing income healthy, nutritious soup at the UHC’s state-of-the-art kitchen. All taxes, child care, housing help, and Beyond emergency relief and training programs. meals are prepared by graduates of advocacy, food banks play an UHC’s culinary skills course under imperative role in reducing food Beyond addressing immediate waste and greenhouse emissions hunger-relief, food banks play an across the province. Feed Ontario important role in advocating for and the food bank network work Food banks in Ontario provide a range of services to long-term solutions to poverty. provincially and locally with farmers meet the growing needs of their communities: This includes support for Bill 60, and food producers to rescue

68% 39% 48% of food banks of food banks of food banks in in Ontario offer in Ontario offer Ontario offer at at least one at least one least one social food-focused skill-building service program program program FIgure 3.1 FARM TO FOOD, unemployed help center, windsor HUNGER REPORT 2019 FEED ONTARIO 32 33 Ontario’s food banks work tirelessly in people by reducing poverty to serve over 510,000 adults, is not only socially responsible children, and seniors that visit but financially sound. This report over three million times per year. found that ‘poverty’ is costing the However, they cannot do it alone. provincial government up to $33 Feed Ontario believes that its vision Billion per year. of ending poverty and hunger is shared by all levels of government, Social Assistance Changes in and that there has never been a Ontario: Forecasting the Impact greater need for collective action of the Government of Ontario’s than there is today. Proposed Reforms

Through improvements to Ontario’s As two-thirds of food bank clients social assistance programs and cite social assistance as their government benefits, investments primary source of income, reforms in affordable housing, andto these programs can have a the development of quality significant impact on food bank use. employment opportunities for This report discusses the history Ontarians, we believe that we can of social assistance in Ontario and reduce poverty while building a the impact that previous changes future where no one goes hungry. to the system have had on poverty and food insecurity in this province, Feed Possibility. Feed Change. as well as analyzes the proposed Feed Ontario. reforms.

Additional Resources Food Bank Use by Electoral Riding 2018, Interactive Map

If you are interested in learning The study was completed in more about hunger and poverty in partnership with the Fleming Ontario, please see below for more College Geographic Information recently released reports by Feed Systems (GIS) program and Ontario: presents its findings on an interactive map that allows users to Cost of Poverty compare provincial electoral ridings across the province, including ‘The Cost of Poverty in Ontario: information on food bank use, mean 10 Years Later’ examines the and median income, and housing. relationship between poverty, The intention of the project is to poor health, the justice system, help inform visitors to the website Feed Change and lost productivity and makes that hunger and poverty touch the economic case that investing every corner of the province.

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Retrieved from: https://www.mcss.gov. force characteristics by sex and detailed age on.ca/en/mcss/open/sa/ODSPCaseLoadReport. group, annual https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/ aspx tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1410032701 67. Ministry of Children, Community, and Social 56. Ibid Vosko, L. (2011). The Challenge of Expand- Services. (2018). Social assistance in Ontario: ing EI Coverage: Charting Exclusions and Partial Reports – Ontario Disability Support Program. Exclusions on the Bases of Gender, Immigration Retrieved from: https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/ Status, Age, and Place of Residence and Ex- mcss/open/sa/trends/odsp_trends.aspx ploring Avenues for Inclusive Policy Redesign. Mowat Centre. Retrieved from: https://munk- 68. Ministry of Children, Community, and Social school.utoronto.ca/mowatcentre/wp-content/ Services. (2018). Ontario Disability Support Pro- uploads/publications/23_the_challenge.pdf gram Monthly Statistical Report - September HUNGER REPORT 2019 FEED ONTARIO 38 39 Authors

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