Ontarians on social supports ‘worse off’ than before pandemic, study suggests

Some Ontario researchers say residents in the province who were already among the poorest and most vulnerable prior to COVID-19 are now worse off than they were before.

A new report McMaster University’s political science and labour studies department is highlighting how things are “Not Back to Normal” after the peak of the pandemic for Ontarians who’ve been relying on social assistance.

In fact, the research found that those counting on Ontario Disability Support (ODSP) are worse off than they were before, as social assistance rates haven’t increased to keep up with skyrocketing rent and food prices.

Associate Professor Peter Graefe says many low-income people in Hamilton and across the province are “trapped” with “giant rents” and don’t dare move since finding accommodations at their level of affordability is unlikely.

“Clearly, that becomes much more significant for people whose total income is about $1,200 a month,” Grafe said. “A lot of which you need to pay rent, food, clothing or transportation.”