Hon. Madeleine Meilleur
Minister of Community & Social Services
6th Floor Hepburn Block
80 Grosvenor Street
Toronto, ON
M7A 1E9

Dear Madame Meilleur,

I am writing to you regarding Ms. Cheryl Patterson whose story was featured in today’s Toronto Star. We raised Ms. Patterson’s case to highlight the deplorable practice by your government of clawing back children’s Orphan’s Benefits from Ontario Works’ assistance.

Revenue Canada states that an Orphan’s Benefit belongs to the child, not the guardian who receives it on his or her behalf. In addition, Ontario Works Directive 16 states, “all earnings of a dependent child are exempt as income when calculating assistance.” Given these directives it appears clear that Children’s Benefits from CPP should not be considered income for the purposes of Ontario Works. Once again your government has demonstrated a complete lack of empathy and understanding on the issues that matter to working families.

I urge you to investigate this matter as quickly as possible and end this unacceptable practice of taking money out of the pockets of children who have already suffered the trauma of losing a parent.

Sincerely,

Michael Prue