First payments offer relief for low-income families

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Ontario Children and Youth Services Minister Deb Matthews dropped by Rose Avenue Public School on Wednesday, July 23 to formally announce the Ontario Child Benefit program was officially up and running.

The program is geared toward helping low-income families make ends meet by providing a monthly allowance of $50 per child. The benefit will help out 465,000 families and nearly a million children.

The plan was presented in last year's provincial budget, and provisions have been made to increase the amount of the benefit every year until 2011. By then, the government will provide low-income families with more than $90 per child per month, or $1,100 per year.

Matthews said the Ontario Child Benefit would help provide better opportunities for children living in poverty by easing some of the financial strain on their parents and allowing them to buy the necessities.

"We know it's expensive to raise kids and we know how hard-working families are struggling to pay the bills," she said. "We want every single child in Ontario to grow up to be the best adult they can."

Families earning less than $20,000 per year will be eligible for the full child benefit each month, provided they fill out their income tax forms each year. Families earning more than $20,000 per year may be eligible to receive payments depending on household income and the number of children. People will be eligible for the benefit regardless of whether they are working or not, meaning that families will no longer have to worry about losing financial support for their children should they move off welfare.

Toronto Centre MPP George Smitherman said the child benefit was a positive step in combating poverty and would be particularly helpful in areas such as St. James Town, where many families must struggle to make ends meet.

He added the government wanted to find a way to make a difference in the lives of children by giving families additional funds to help those children reach their potential.

"It's a financial resource that's targeted at children and that's the most important place to enjoin the battle against poverty," he said. "This government has been looking to address kids and I think the Ontario Child Benefit will make a real difference."

Local resident and father of six, Islamuddin Attayee said the payments will help him support his children by giving him a little extra money to ensure they have proper food and clothing.

"It's not enough (money), but it's really, really helpful," he said. "The government is going to increase it every year for kids, so I'm very happy."

The province has made allowances to ensure that children and youth who are living in children's aid societies are eligible for the maximum Ontario Child Benefit.