The Project Coordinator of The Chatham-Kent Prosperity Roundtable, Phillip Mock, met with provincial candidates in the Lambton-Kent-Middlesex riding over the past month to get answers to some critical questions on poverty in Chatham-Kent and Ontario.
Mock asked candidates about their positions on:
– Increasing the amount received and removing barriers for Ontario Works and Ontario Support Disability Program recipients;
– Increasing access to decent and affordable housing options; and
– Improving access to mental health and addictions services
“We want to get the right information to the community so they can make an informed decision when they vote,” Mock stated.
“Each party has a different stance on the issues that affect your lives. It’s important to take the time to understand who you’re voting for. Regardless of who you vote for, just make your voice heard, and vote.”
Below are the questions asked of candidates, and their responses.
Question #1 – People who rely on Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) live in deep poverty. A single person on OW receives a maximum of only $767.89 a month in benefits in Chatham-Kent. Even with all tax credits included, their income is just over $10,000 a year. This is approximately $12,000 below the recognized poverty line (Low Income Measure – $22,133). A single person on ODSP receives only slightly higher benefit rates at just under $15,000 a year; that is still $7,000 below the recognized poverty line. Moreover, the OW and ODSP systems create many barriers for individuals and families to exit the cycle of poverty. With over 815,000 individuals and families in Ontario accessing OW and ODSP, and recognizing the gap between income levels and the poverty line has grown dramatically, what steps will you and your party take to increase benefit rates and reduce barriers for those in our riding and Ontario receiving assistance from OW and ODSP?
Todd Case, NDP
“I’m aware of the struggles many have living on Ontario Works and Ontario Disability. There’s just simply not enough to live on. Take a look, $10,000 a year is not enough to live on. It’s a struggle to make ends meet, and that needs to change. First off, I am very supportive of a $15 minimum wage and yearly increases with inflation. This will provide a living wage to people working in our community. We also need to change the system, and make sure people on OW and ODSP have enough. We will be increasing OW rates by 10%, 7%, and 5% each year over the next three years, and increasing ODSP rates by 5% each year over the next 3 years. We need to make sure people have enough to thrive and feel supported. We’re also bringing in dental care and pharmacare for everyone, which will really remove barriers for people living with low income.”
Brad Greulich, Libertarian
“I’ll admit that I am not an expert on OW or ODSP, so I can’t speak to all of the barriers facing people needing these programs. However I understand very well how people get stuck in a cycle of poverty and can’t help themselves, no matter how much they want to. The Libertarian’s plan to boost the economy involves reducing barriers for people trying to work and removing taxes that make it hard for small business to thrive. My belief is that more people will be helped out of poverty by making them self-sufficient rather than dependant on these programs. That is not to say these programs aren’t very important, but if fewer people depend on them, there will be more for those who can’t make do without. I truly believe that a person’s dignity and self-esteem are well served by being able to make it on their own. The first step is creating a system where everyone who is able, can find meaningful work and pull themselves out of poverty.”
Mike Radan, Liberal
“Ontario’s economy is strong, but not everyone is doing well. Ontario Liberals believe that caring for one another means helping the most vulnerable in our society as they try to get ahead. We can make changes to the social assistance system that will treat those receiving assistance with dignity and respect and transform their lives. Our plan will simplify rules to make sure the system is more respectful and less intrusive, increase social assistance rates, increase employment earnings exemptions, ensure benefit amounts are not tied to one’s living situation, increasing culturally appropriate services, and continuing to evaluate the basic income pilot.”
Anthony Li, Green Party
“The middle class is disappearing, and we are seeing increased amounts of people needing social assistance. We need to make sure that OW and ODSP are livable amounts for people who are struggling. We are going to increase benefits rates to 100% of the low income measure, the recognized poverty line. This will help with security in times of transition, and benefits individuals in the low income bracket that really need the help. We also want to modernize eligibility for OW, and remove claw backs on earned income while on OW. We’re also bringing in dental care and pharmacare for all.”
Brian Everaert, Trillium Party
“People who are unable to take care of themselves should get a leg up. Personally, I recognize poverty in Chatham-Kent. The cost of living has sky rocketed, and people are getting left behind. There is no opportunity, and people are handcuffed; they can’t get stable, and everything is against them. We should be looking for more money that is being used inefficiently by the government. It’s not necessarily about increasing rates, but maybe it’s about ensuring jobs for all, and providing co-op for more experience. Trillium listens. We need to get around a table and talk about what our community’s concerns and problems are. We come up with a solution together, and I take that to Queen’s park. My focus is the people, and I make decisions based on what people tell me.”
Monte McNaughton, PC
“I recognize we have a problem here is Chatham-Kent. For people on OW and ODSP, we need to make sure they can keep all of the money they earn while working by increasing minimum earning exemptions. This will help with their transition to part-time and full-time work. We’re also eliminating taxes for people with income below $28,000 a year, and introducing free dental care for low income seniors that qualify under the Ontario Drug Benefits. I see that poverty is real, and I have raised the issue a number of times. I hear of local churches donating vast sums to community members to help pay their bills and put food on the table. It’s a very real example, and this should not be happening in our community.”
Question #2 – Affordable housing options are dwindling and becoming less affordable in our riding. We are seeing lower rates of vacancies due to increased average resell value of homes and increased market rent prices. Low rates of vacancies have also contributed to a growing homeless population. Many who are chronically homeless and low income earners are faced with the challenges of living in rundown and inadequate accommodations simply because they are the only affordable options available for many. With a 4 year waitlist to access affordable housing options in our riding, and recognizing the still increasing need for affordable housing options, what kind of programs and services will you and your party introduce to increase accessible, decent, and affordable housing options, and end homelessness in our riding and Ontario?
Todd Case, NDP
“I’ve been Mayor of Watford for 18 years, and was a former Warden of Lambton County. I see the huge backlog we have in our municipality, and I see that same backlog here in Chatham-Kent. There is a housing inadequacy crisis, the back log is terrible, and we need to help those who are unable to find decent and affordable living accommodations. We’re dedicated to bringing in 65,000 new affordable housing units because we know they are badly needed. We’re dedicated to ending homelessness and helping those that are struggling, and we’re the only part that will accomplish that.”
Brad Greulich, Libertarian
“The cost of homes and rent continues to rise every day. It’s a problem for everyone, but even more so for the poor. Every time the government tries to force a fix, the problem gets worse. Taxes on foreign buyers just moves the problem to another city and rent controls reduces the number of available units. By reducing needless regulations and zoning restrictions, building homes will be easier and the costs will be less. With more houses and apartments able to be built, the prices will come down. To add, a stronger job market and less inflationary economic policy will help slow the rising prices.”
Mike Radan, Liberal
“Everyone in Ontario deserves access to a good home that they can afford. Yet many people struggle to find stable housing. Many people find it hard to find rental housing or afford to buy a house. The Ontario Liberal government brought in the Fair Housing Plan, which protects tenants, addresses housing price growth and increases the supply of housing. The plan will protect tenants by extending rent controls to all private rental units, establishing standard leases, boost the supply of rental and non-rental housing by providing incentives for new builds. We need to make sure tenants are better protected, and ensure the system works for everyone involved. We will take action to improve the system, expand supply of housing units, and ensure affordability.”
Anthony Li, Green Party
“I’m 19 years old, 2nd year of university, and after I graduate I most likely will have to return home to live with my parents. Ontario is not livable anymore. Younger generations are finding it less accessible to find living accommodations. Tiny Homes, co-sharing, and secondary suites are a cost-effective solution. I will advocate for changes to legislation to support innovative housing solutions, and work with municipalities to change by-laws that inhibit building these options currently. We are initiating a new policy that 20% of all new developments will be labelled affordable housing to support low income earners. We need to increase the tools to support this, including a mediation fund and re-zoning land that is not being used or is non-arable. We’re investing $200 million into social housing to make sure enough is available.”
Brian Everaert, Trillium Party
“I see a lot of money being sent to big corporations, and we need to redistribute that to people who are struggling. I don’t want to cripple businesses, but we need to also help out people struggling in our community. Again, my focus is the people. I will sit down with our community and my riding constituents to talk about the issues and we can come up with solutions together. I can’t make commitments and promise before I see the facts, but I promise I will influence as best I can to make sure your voice is represented at Queen’s Park.”
Monte McNaughton, PC
“Clearly it’s an issue, straight across the riding. I have held 3 poverty reduction tables, and transportation and affordable housing were some of the biggest issues I heard from the community. Our focus is to put money back into people’s pockets so people can afford housing with their own money. We support current rent controls as well. Housing is unaffordable. I see the red tape in some municipalities, and the burden of the government at all levels. We need to remove barriers for development to increase the supply of housing to decrease the burden on low income families of high rents and house costs.”
Questions #3 – Mental health affects us all. We know people with serious mental health illness face many barriers over their lifetime, which may lead many to drift into poverty. Conversely, living in poverty can have profound effects on individual’s mental health through losing stabilizing resources, such as income, housing, and employment for an extended period of time. Knowing that the Ontario Government only spends 7% of its healthcare budget on mental health and addictions services and programs, and recognizing that the lowest income group are 3 to 4 times more likely than those in the highest income group to report poor to fair mental health, what will you and your party do to improve access to mental health and addictions services in our riding and Ontario, particularly for middle and low income individuals and families?
Todd Case, NDP
“The processes we have in place now are not working. There is significant backlog, increased suicide rates, and people are suffering without the ability to get the help they need. I have spoken to so many people that tell me if they want to see someone, they have to wait 8+ months, especially in rural municipalities. We need services that are accessible and timely. It’s not just one population that is struggling, everyone is struggling. I am dedicated to changing the system by introducing a Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions and increasing funding for more counsellors and mental health professionals to reduce wait times. We need to do something to make it better. Let’s have real conversations, and be proactive about things. I’m a hand’s on guy. I will sit with the community and my riding constituents to better understand their concerns and challenges, and we need to work together to find solutions and make change.”
Brad Greulich, Libertarian
“The Libertarians health care policy puts people in charge of how their money gets spent. It is designed to force health care providers to be far more efficient with the money they receive. Currently about 50% of what a person’s OHIP pays for is administrative costs. Our health care model would reduce that to about 10%. This means much for money for front line health care; more doctors, more programs, shorter lines and more help for those who need it. Health care rationing means someone in Ottawa decides what you need and what you don’t. By putting people in charge of where their money goes, they can use it to get the help they need.”
Mike Radan, Liberal
“There is no health without mental health. Yet many people, including children and youth, are facing serious mental health challenges. Nearly one in three people in Ontario will experience a mental health or addictions challenge in their lifetime. We are improving access to mental health care by creating 17,000 new supportive housing units and new youth wellness hubs. The Ontario Liberals will make a historic $2.1 billion additional investment in mental health care to make sure that whatever your age or wherever you live in our province, you will have fast and easy access to the care that’s right for you. We are reducing wait times for youth and adult services, creating a 24/7 provincial help line, meeting the specific needs of vulnerable groups, and expanding publicly funding addictions treatment.”
Anthony Li, Green Party
“I’m an undergraduate student, and I have many fellow students, friends, and family who have dealt with mental health challenges. I think mental health is better recognized now, and there is even a lowered stigma to the idea of mental health. There has been some change, but not enough is being done. However, there is still a large stigma with people living with addictions, and we are not helping them get over their addictions. We are spending $4.1 billion over the next 4 years to support increased access to services and affordable care. We also need to reinforce the need for services for vulnerable groups. A personal passion of mine is ensuring mental health and addiction services are accessible to racial minorities by making services available in more language, including French and Indigenous languages.”
Brian Everaert, Trillium Party
“We need to create a separate ministry for mental health and addictions. This is not a political issue, it’s a need that everyone is affected by. You can clearly see the issue in our community, and people are on the streets with nowhere to go. Police are having to deal with it and they are overwhelmed. We also need more supports for mental health professionals. Mental health and addictions go hand in hand. We need a variety of programs to support people with addictions. The real problem I am seeing is with Methamphetamines and crack cocaine. Set up places for people to get help, clinics to support weening off these substances. I understand people with addictions just can’t walk away from their addictions. I recognize it needs to be fixed, and I will do my best to make that happen.”
Monte McNaughton, PC
“Mental health is a passion of mine, and it’s a growing epidemic. We need to provide the right services and supports to help make people better. We are committed to $3.8 Billion in funding over the next 10 years to increase mental health and addictions services. We’ve seen a steady decline in mental health funding over the past 10 years. We need to start treating mental health like its physical health and provide the right supports and services. Mental health sounds like the dirty secret of healthcare, and that should not be the case.”
