Freezing social assistance rates is actually a cut.

TORONTO, March 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Freezing social assistance rates for one year is a cut when general inflation was 2.9% last year and inflation in food costs was over 4%.

Since Premier Dalton McGuinty hasn't been listening to low-income Ontarians, on the importance of raising social assistance rates, the Put Food in the Budget campaign will take 'Premier McGuinty' - a life-size mannequin - to thirty communities around Ontario during April, May and June, to challenge the budget's freeze on social assistance rates. This province-wide campaign will give people who receive social assistance, plus community service providers, an opportunity to describe how the rate freeze and other budget measures affect them.

The tour with Premier McGuinty will also focus on the Social Assistance Review Commission, whose final report is expected in June. The Put Food in the Budget Campaign demands that Commissioners Frances Lankin and Munir Sheikh recommend improvements that would allow Ontarians with the lowest incomes to lead healthful, dignified lives.

Groups interested in having the Premier McGuinty Mannequin come to their community can book a visit of the McGuinty Mannequin to their community by emailing [email protected] or by telephoning 647 985 7342

The Put Food in the Budget campaign includes anti-poverty groups, as well as community, health, faith and labour organizations in thirty communities across Ontario.

Put Food in the Budget demands an immediate increase of $100 a month for every adult in Ontario who receives social assistance, and for a transparent method of setting rates that ensures housing, healthy food and a healthful, dignified life.

Mike Balkwill, Provincial Co-ordinator, Put Food in the Budget Campaign

416 806 2401 [email protected]  www.putfoodinthebudget.org