OCAP and public sector allies rally against cut to special diet; demand
increased welfare/disability rates

TORONTO, July 20 /CNW/ -

July 21st, 2010

What: Rally

When: Wednesday, July 21st, 12 Noon

Where: Ministry of Community and Social Services, 900 Bay @ Wellsley St.

Just a few short weeks ago, people took to the streets of this city to condemn the austerity agenda of the G20. For poor people in Ontario, austerity measures have already begun. In March, the McGuinty Provincial Government cut the Special Diet Allowance as part of 'reducing the deficit' in this year's budget, at the same time as solidifying massive corporate taxbreaks. The Special Diet is a food benefit for people forced to live on shamefully inadequate welfare (OW) and disability (ODSP) rates. This decision to destroy the vital Special Diet will increase hunger, poor health, and homelessness in communities across Ontario. The cut to the Special Diet is a local manifestation of the G20 agenda as are broader attacks on public services and the workers who deliver them.

OCAP is mobilizing poor communities facing this attack to fight back. The next step in this ongoing campaign will be a rally at the Provincial Government buildings at 900 Bay this Wednesday, July 21st. We will hear speakers from various communities, health care providers, and President of CUPE - Ontario, Fred Hahn, representing public sector workers.

Poor people in Ontario are angry and fed up with this Government's refusal to restore the 22% cut to Welfare made by the Tories in 1995 - that cut today is estimated at 55%. Like people in many countries, OCAP and public sector allies are mobilizing to challenge the G20 austerity agenda and defend hard won social programs.

"Right now the McGuinty Provincial Government, in line with the Federal Government's decision at the G20 meetings, is trying to force the deficit on the backs of poor people and public sector workers by cutting benefits, slashing services, and freezing wages," says OCAP Organizer, Lisa Schofield. "This economic crisis was not created by us - we refuse to pay the bill for banks and corporations!"

For further information: The Ontario Coalition Against Poverty, [phone], Media Cell: 416-826-4796