I want to share some thoughts re: income assistance during the pandemic.

Focusing particularly on folks w disabilities (esp. recipients of ODSP & OW) and the failure of federal & provincial financial assistance programs to address their specific needs.

Here we go
1/10 #onpoli

Tomorrow is April 6. A lot of folks who lost their jobs & income due to the pandemic have been anxiously awaiting this day.

It will be the first day ppl can apply for the federal government assistance program CERB, which will be a lifeline for many - but certainly not all.
2/10

CERB comes with eligibility criteria and stipulations. It is not a universal income. Many folks have already discovered that their unique situation disqualifies them from support through CERB. EI has strict criteria too. It’s inevitable that people will be left behind.
3/10

If you have a disability and/or receive ODSP/OW, you know all about stipulations & strict criteria. Historically if you or your partner applies for EI your cheque is clawed back dollar for dollar. If you have a job and work to supplement your income - again clawbacks at 50%.
4/10

We have no idea how CERB will impact ODSP & OW. 2 weeks ago I submitted Qs to Min @ToddSmithPC on this. Ppl were anxious that if they or their partner lost their job and/or required more assistance they would not be able to apply for EI or CERB without facing huge clawbacks.
5/10

The Qs aimed to clarify EI & CERB clawbacks for current social assistance recipients and their family members. I also asked if recipients who continued to work in essential services would still have income clawed back. I emphasized that people needed answers before April 6.
6/10

I also sent thison March 14.
ODSP & OW rates keep people in poverty. They are not enough to provide anyone with a healthy quality of life. In a pandemic, this is amplified. The letter detailed how difficult this time would be for vulnerable ppl & asked the govt for a plan.
7/10

And now today. No answers were provided for these Qs. I heard from Min. Smith on March 26 that the questions were received & they would update us soon. But tomorrow CERB opens and folks who desperately need assistance don’t have the answers they need & again are left behind.
8/10

We need clarity & meaningful assistance for ppl who need it most. @OntarioNDP proposed an Emergency Income benefit that would flow automatically to ODSP/OW recipients. The BC gov is providing a monthly benefit & no CERB clawbacks for those eligible. Solutions are out there!
9/10

Bottom line: I’m frustrated & concerned, as many of you are. I’m sorry that we still don’t have the answers you need.

I promise we’ll keep pushing. We’ll keep proposing policies. We’ll keep advocating & amplifying your concerns. Because you deserve better from your govt.
10/10

@threadreaderapp unroll please.