Ontario’s 2008 Budget was tabled in the Ontario Legislature on Tuesday, March 25. It contains many investments designed to help improve the quality of life of all Ontarians.
Increased support for social assistance
The government is raising the basic adult allowance and maximum shelter allowance by 2% in 2008-09. This will give 690,000 Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients an additional $36 million in income support in 2008-09 and an additional $87 million in 2009-10.
Improving facilities for vulnerable Ontarians
The government is providing $30 million in one-time funding for expansion and renovation projects at community agencies that help children, victims of domestic violence, adults and children with developmental disabilities, and young people with emotional or behavioural problems.
Minimum wage
The government is raising the minimum wage to $10.25 by 2010, starting with consecutive annual increases of 75 cents on March 31, 2008 and onwards.
Supporting opportunities for the Aboriginal peoples of Ontario
The government will invest approximately $600 million on average each year to support government-wide initiatives to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal peoples, both on and off reserve. This amount includes $300 million for children and social services.
Ontario Child Benefit
In July 2008, the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) will be delivered through the personal income tax system and will help over 600,000 low-income families with children under 18. For 2008, the maximum OCB payment will be $600 annually per child.
Better dental care for low-income families
Starting in 2008-09, the government plans to invest $135 million over three years to provide dental services to low-income Ontarians.
Student Nutrition Program
The government plans to invest an addition $32 million over three years in the Student Nutrition Program. This is a program that supports local organizations in delivering nutritious meals and snacks to children and youth in school and community settings. The new investment will more than double annual funding for this program.
Better access to community services through 211 Ontario
The government plans to invest more than $13 million over four years to expand 211 Ontario province-wide beginning in 2008-09. 211 Ontario is an integrated telephone and Internet-based system that provides users with one-stop information about, and referrals to, local community, social, health and related government programs and services.
Helping Ontario’s workers get and keep jobs
Having a skilled and highly educated workforce is key to a strong economy. That’s why the government will invest $1.5 billion over three years in the Skills to Jobs Action Plan. The plan includes $355 million for a new Second Career Strategy to retrain 20,000 unemployed workers into new careers and well-paying jobs in growing areas of the economy.
These initiatives are much more than dollar and cents investments. These are investments in people and in Ontario’s future.