The changes announced last year regarding Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program are now in place.
The province integrated OW and ODSP into Employment Ontario to create one system.
Lanark County’s Ontario Works Supervisor Kaitlyn Murray didn’t dispute the notion that they’re being asked to do more with less.
Provincial funding’s also been cut by 22%, resulting in a loss of almost $527,000.
Staff have outlined four performance targets for Lanark County OW clients in 2024.
The first three are ensuring everyone on OW and ODSP have an action plan, 30% of clients are referred to EO, and 16% of OW cases leave for employment.
The fourth aims to have 20% of OW cases that leave do not come back within a year.
Murray was asked if these were realistic targets.
Employment Ontario will now provide clients with all employment related supports for job search and retention while OW will seek to provide stability for clients and help overcome employment barriers.
Story by Grant Deme
