The release of the Ontario government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy on December 4, 2008, marks a significant change from the terrible policies and practices of the past 15 years that have punished people who are poor for their poverty. The Wellesley Institute has released a detailed backgrounder that examines what’s in the latest announcement and sets out the crucial next steps.

Overall, Ontario is to be congratulated for turning its back on “poor-bashing”. There are even some new and innovative ideas – such as strengthening the province’s third sector. But there is plenty of work to do, and major new investments are required. The bare foundation set out in the December 4 announcement, along with the limited new investments, set the stage for the vital next steps.