... the Ontario PCs have won a majority and with it have dashed hopes of a more equitable social safety net. The 20% increase in ODSP rates suggested by the Liberals and originally by the NDP merely replace the 20% removed from the system by a previous PC government under Mike Harris who appears to have had a disdain for vulnerable Ontario populations.
... the 5% increase budgeted by Doug Ford is a slap in the face for the disabled poor. To be determined whether rent control rates will increase at inflation rates which would erase the 5% increase to ODSP rates. In recent past years, rent control has been about 2%. Nevertheless, Mr. Ford can be commended for holding rent control at 0% early in the pandemic.
... if ODSP rates are not increased beyond the 5% budgeted, at the very least Mr. Ford can increase the exempt portion of ODSP working income to 500 dollars/month or 6000/year. This would at least give recipients a chance of being at the poverty line which is about 20 000/yr/individual.
... Mr. Ford's plan to give provincial mayors veto power to build more housing is promising only if it allows mayors to veto property developers. Developers create monoglot neighbourhoods with over-priced homes. The NDP's pinings for the missing middle of housing is a pressing social need.
... mid-level apartments are needed.
