Ontario PC promise to increase financial supports through the Ontario Disability Support Program, if elected

The Ontario Progressive Conservative party announced it would increase financial supports provided through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), if elected.

The party also said it would introduce legislation to increase ODSP rates annually, tied to inflation.

“With the cost of living going up, we want to give vulnerable people across Ontario more support so they can pay for life’s essentials,” said Ontario PC Leader Doug Ford in a statement.

The PC party says it will invest $425 million to increase ODSP rates by five per cent, with ongoing funding for annual increases.

“This expansion of ODSP will build on other proposed and existing supports for low-income and vulnerable Ontarians. A re-elected PC government will enhance the Low-income Individuals and Families Tax (LIFT) Credit to put more money back in the pockets of 1.7 million people,” the party said in a press release. “The PC government also invested more than $1 billion in the Social Services Relief Fund and expanded access to temporary emergency assistance for those in financial crisis. Emergency shelters, food banks, charities, non-profits and emergency services have accessed this fund to help cope with growing demand and extraordinary circumstances.