United Way leaders from across Ontario are urging the Ford government to take action on several social issues that are currently plaguing the province.
In an open letter sent to Premier Doug Found, United Way leaders called for a collaboration between the organization and the government in an effort to tackle four key areas, which include housing security, income security, inclusive communities, and support for the social services sector.
The United Way said several public policy changes are necessary to address unaffordable housing, low-wage jobs, precarious employment, and mental health challenges to counteract the deepening poverty across the province.
Barbara Palace, the CEO of the United Way of Chatham-Kent, said with the cost of living continuing to rise, many people are struggling to make ends meet.
“The cracks in our social safety net that were exposed during the pandemic are just getting wider, while the number of people relying on those services is increasing,” she said in a news release. “It is critical that we work as partners with the provincial government to sustain the social services sector and ensure that no one in Chatham-Kent is left behind.”
In the letter, the United Way recommends that the province expand affordable housing options, establish a living wage, hire more addictions and mental health workers, improve access to services focused on underserved communities, and work with the community services sector.