On January 11, 2010, the government announced the selection of a group of highly experienced and committed community leaders to:

• submit recommendations to the Minister of Community and Social Services regarding the scope and terms of reference for a review of Ontario's social assistance system.
• advise the Minister of Community and Social Services regarding possible short-term changes to social assistance rules.

The Social Assistance Review Advisory Council is chaired by Gail Nyberg, Executive Director of the Daily Break Food Bank. The Council will:

• prepare advice to the Minister in Winter 2010, on short-term changes that could be made to Ontario's social assistance system. Given the time constraints, this advice will be based on existing recommendations by various members of the group with expertise in relevant areas.
• submit recommendations by April 2010 on the scope and terms of reference that would guide the development of the social assistance review.

The recommendations will include proposed specifications for the review, including:

• A long-term vision for social assistance in Ontario and its core objectives which would form the basis of the review
• Key milestones for a work plan
• Consultation strategy, including a mechanism for participation of MPPs and for obtaining input from people with experience using income security programs.

The members of the Council are:

• Gail Nyberg, Chair
• Pedro Barata
• Pat Capponi
• Grace-Edward Galabuzi
• Kira Heineck
• Mary Marrone
• Michael Mendelson
• Colette Murphy
• Michael Oliphant
• John Stapleton
• Valerie Monague

For purposes of the advisory group, Council members do not represent any specific organization. They continue to remain active in their work outside of the Council.

The Council members are contributing their in-kind expertise and experience to this important project. The government is grateful to them and their respective organizations for their contribution and commitment to this process.

Questions and Answers

Have your say.

Your input is welcome. Check back in the coming weeks for updates and opportunities to provide more specific feedback to the Council on emerging areas of its work.