Moose FM CJJM 99.3 - Espanola

The Ontario Coalition Against Poverty wants social assistance rates to increase by 55 percent.  Spokesman John Clarke says it sounds like a lot, but the amount only restores rates to 1994 levels before Mike Harris’ Common Sense Revolution.  Clarke says the province has consistently given corporations and the rich tax breaks and it’s time to cancel those breaks and redistribute the funds.  Clarke admits corporations won’t take his group’s campaign on redistributing taxes lying down and says the public has to be ready to fight this issue. Clarke says a 55 percent rise in social assistance translates into $938 a month for a single person which gives them a chance at survival.  Clarke made the comments in North Bay on Thursday.