Special Diet Cancellation, Ontario
Information Picket at Human Rights Tribunal:
Friday, May 28, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Outside Human Rights Tribunal offices
655 Bay St., Toronto
The Ontario government announced in March 2010, that it will cancel the Special Diet Allowance program, a welfare-based allowance provided to individuals on welfare with special dietary concerns. The program provided up to $250 a month to individuals with health concerns ranging from allergies, diabetes and high blood pressure.
On May 28th, the Human Rights Tribunal will hold a follow-up meeting concerning its February 2010 decision that found the Ontario government had discriminated against individuals with certain medical conditions by not providing them with a fair amount of special diet allowance. In response to the decision, Queen's Park announced, in March, that it would cancel the Special Diet Allowance and replace it with a new program administered by the health ministry.
Members of the ODSP Action Coalition believe the cancellation of the special diet program will be detrimental for the health of thousands of people, including people with disabilities. Members of the ODSP Action Coalition will be holding an informational picket outside the Human Rights Tribunal this Friday, when a follow-up hearing related to the decision will be held. Toronto-area supporters of the Coalition and anyone concerned with the cancellation of the Special Diet Allowance program and welcome to join the peaceful picket and information session.
For more information about the event, please contact Naomi at ISAC: 416-597-5820 ext 5151 or ivesn@lao.on.ca.
Read more:
Toronto Star: Mother fears changes to son's diet allowance
Toronto Star: Poverty advocates decry loss of diet allowance
CBC News: Ontario asked to restore special diet allowance
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