Tony Martin fights for more disability support

Sault MPP Tony Martin promised today to keep the heat on the Ontario Government to ensure that people on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) receive adequate support.

In yesterday's Speech from the Throne, opening the fourth session of the 37th Parliament of Ontario, the Government promised to increase ODSP payments.

The Ontario New Democratic Party released this announcement today:

**************************************************************** Better disability supports step in the right direction

QUEEN'S PARK - New Democrat MPP Tony Martin says a government commitment to improve supports for Ontarians living with disabilities is a step in the right direction – but wants to see the details.

"People relying on the Ontario Disability Support Program haven't had an increase since the Conservatives took office eight years ago," Martin said.

"Their support benefits will have to go up by 12.8% just to catch up with the cost-of-living."

Martin has led the charge to increase ODSP.

Last June his campaign forced three Conservative back benchers to vote with the NDP against the government in support of his Bill 118, Ontario Disability Support Program Amendment Act (Fairness in Disability Income Support Payments), 2001.

"I am happy that the government has finally listened, but it is up to all of us to make sure they deliver more than just an empty promise," Martin said.

"People living with disabilities have been forced to live in poverty for too long. They need a real raise and they need it now."

The Sault Ste. Marie MPP praised all the activists who have worked so hard to get the government to move on this key issue.

And Martin vows to keep up the pressure until all Ontarians living with disabilities can live in dignity instead of poverty.

Martin challenges the Conservative government to implement the raise to ODSP today and enact legislation like his Bill 118, to ensure people reliant on ODSP receive an annual cost of living adjustment every April 1st to stop them from slipping further into poverty.

****************************************************************