Dear @fordnation , my name is Jessica F, and this will be my 3rd attempt to contact you. I understand that you are incredibly busy, and I apologize if my messages are a burden, but this matter is important not only to me but my community as well. #ODSPoverty
@fordnation On August 7th, when asked why the $100 Covid-19 relief was cancelled you cited those who were able to collect CERB as well as ODSP, saying they were up a couple hundred bucks and those who are healthy enough to work should get a job. #ODSPoverty
According to the @ODSPAction , only 8% at most of ODSP recipients were able to work at the end of 2019, meaning when you cited those who could work, you left out approx. 92%, including myself who physically cannot work without severe risks to my physical health. #ODSPoverty
That is what #ODSP is intended to be for, supporting those who cannot work. "Then there's a certain group of people that are collecting ODSP, that have part time jobs, and if they keep the CERB going and their part time job they're actually up a few hundred dollars, not down."
This could also be an example of poisoning the environment. By not disclosing how low ODSP compares to the government mandated $2000, you have given the impression that disabled Canadians are rolling in money when we are in fact often left below the poverty line #ODSPoverty
By not disclosing how much CERB is deducted from #ODSPoverty, you once again painted disabled Canadians as up hundreds when we are barely afloat, with medical and pandemic needs on top of basic needs.
@fordnation And by not disclosing even an approx. number of how many ODSP recipients have collected both ODSP and CERB you have reinforced a stereotype our community is labeled with too often, that most disabled Canadians are nothing more than con artists or lazy. #ODSPoverty
@fordnation Disabled Canadians are losing hope. There has been an outpouring of pain and devastation that can be seen easily on Twitter, from those who already felt left behind by our government, both federally and provincially. #ODSPoverty
@fordnation Some have cited your words on August 7th as to why they are considering ending their lives. You may not consider your statement damaging but unless I am mistaken you cannot draw that conclusion simply. #ODSPoverty
@fordnation According to the #OntarioHumanRightsCode, people with disabilities are supposed to be protected from discrimination. This can include exclusion of services, withholding of benefits or placing burdens to receive them that are not required by others to do. #ODSPoverty
@fordnation Under the #OntarioHumanRightsCode there is also a duty to accommodate people with disabilities, which during a global pandemic, it is reasonable to assume that disabled Canadians would require extra accommodations. #ODSPoverty
@fordnation Even @OC_Transpo has just made getting a community pass available via phone to help those with limitations. So why then have you not only cancelled the $100 a month #COVID19 relief, but also refused to provide an answer as to why you cancelled it? #ODSPoverty
@fordnation We are devastated and scared, having been left with no answers as to why #pwds have been left behind when it comes to this pandemic. #ODSPoverty
@fordnation Deep down I want to see the best in people, and I know you are under a heavy obligation to care for so many, #pwds are a protected class under the #OntarioHumanRightsCode, and yet have been left to sink or swim even before this pandemic began. #ODSPoverty
@fordnation I ask that you consider the following: 1. Please issue a formal apology on video to the disabled Canadians that you hurt by not addressing them.
#ODSPoverty
#ODSPoverty
@fordnation 2. Please explain why you don't advocate for rates of #ODSPoverty to be increased to match the Gov. mandated $2000 minimum living 3. Answer why the $100 Covid-19 relief has been cancelled, when those in B.C are having $300 added to their income support until 2021
@fordnation I hope that you read this and do not see it as an attack, but rather an opportunity to gain insight. People with disabilities are humans as well and if we cannot get the answers and care we need from our Premiere what are we left to do? #ODSPoverty
