RDSP Ontario - excellent, plain language website

I have been learning quite a bit about RDSPs over the past few months -- completed a webinar, reading, discuss -- this has always seemed so complicated to me! Finally!  Clear, plain language, completely comprehensive information! If you have a disability, or you have a friend or family member with a disability, please take a look at this website.

This web site has information about the Registered Disability Savings Plan in Ontario and includes a step-by-step guide to becoming eligible, opening, and managing an RDSP.

http://www.rdspontario.ca/

June 20th is World Refugee Day

Approximately 2500 immigrants arrive in London each year, and of those, about 27% are refugees. I've personally been privileged and profoundly moved by learning about the first hand lived experiences directly from some of London's newest citizens, most recently through the "Linking Cultures" program at Fanshawe College.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.

The Central Library is hosting a few events to mark this occassion.  On Friday June 17th, from 6-9:30pm Life as a Refugee: Resilience Awards in the Stevenson & Hunt room.

We will be joined by Special Guests, including our esteemed keynoted speakers, lawyer Barbara Jackman who’s work in the 1985 Singh Decision ensured fundamental rights for refugee claimants in Canada and Dr. Ayman Al-Yassini currently the Executive Director of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.

Help us recognize London’s finest, with the presentation of the 1st Annual Resilience Awards, honouring London’s Refugees and Refugee Allies who have continually dedicated themselves to making London a welcoming home to all.

Please Join Us!
Light Refreshments available.
Child-minding is available, upon request. To request child-minding services, please email us directly at least 3 days before the event.
Event is Free to the Public.

And then on  Saturday June 18^th from 10:00am to 2:00pm Life as a Refugee: Family Day

The partner agencies of the REAL initiative have organized a public event which promises fun for the whole family! In the morning, enjoy arts and cultural performances by local multicultural groups. After a break for a variety of tasty treats representing foods from around the world, join workshops to learn more about “Life as a Refugee” in London, Ontario with panelists from all walks of life.

Children and youth can enjoy games and crafts run by Youth Workers from local agencies and with the support and guidance of local refugee youth. Take the whole family through interactive displays which highlight the various challenges that refugees who resettle in London encounter when trying to start a new life in Canada.

This event is free to the public. More information about the performers, artists and panelists to follow.

Life as a Refugee: Family Day!

Various Rooms, London Public Library’s Central Branch

251 Dundas Street, London, Ontario

Email Us at info@realhub.ca

Settlement Services at Public Libraries

Starting in July, settlement services will be expanded to Stoney Creek, East London, Cherryhill, Pond Mills, and Westmount branches of the public library for the summer, staffed by SWIS (Settlement Workers in Schools) workers.

Year round, Library Settlement Workers are at 4 libraries in London and speak a variety of languages to help newcomers find information and help in London. Call each location to find out their hours.
You can get information about:

• careers, employment and volunteer opportunities such as ERC, Job Connect, WIL, Goodwill Career Centre, Pillar, Access Centre
• language learning and assessment such as ESL classes, LINC classes, conversation circles, TOEFL preparation, ESL book clubs
• library materials in many languages
• basic computer classes
• public library computers
• income tax clinics
• housing
• schools and education, including government programs and continuing education
• health care, incl. doctors, walk-in medical clinics and dentists
• legal issues, incl. lawyers, legal aid, Neighbourhood Legal Services
• immigration issues, incl. family sponsorships, reunification, applying for permanent residency

Beacock Branch 519-451-8140
Central Branch 519-661-4600
Jalna Branch 519-685-6465
Sherwood Branch 519-473-9965



London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMIP) is a one-stop website to help newcomers move to our community, gett settled and start a new life.  The website highlight life in London and Middlesex County and links to programs and services for employment, education, housing, health care, childcare, recreation and culture, and key provincial and federal resources.

Networking for an Inclusive Community (NIC) is a group of representatives and volunteers from organizations who provide service to newcomers in London and Middlesex. NIC was started about 8 years ago and has over 140 organizations in its membership. NIC provides education and networking opportunities through half day and full day workshops.

The London and Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMLIP) is a collaborative community initiative which is designed to strengthen the role of local and regional communities in serving and integrating immigrants.

Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities provides funding for national, regional and local projects that assist people with disabilities in preparing for and finding employment or self-employment, as well as acquiring the skills necessary to maintain that new employment.
The Opportunities Fund supports a variety of activities to help people with disabilities.  These activities may include:

• helping individuals start their own business;
• helping individuals increase their job skills;
• helping individuals to integrate into the workplace through services that meet their special needs; and
• encouraging employers to provide individuals with work opportunities and experience.

Delivered by: Service Canada on behalf of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)

Types of funding

The Opportunities Fund offers three categories of funding for projects involving eligible activities:

• Financial Assistance for Individuals
• Funding for Employers and Organizations for Local and Regional Projects
• Funding for Organizations for National Projects

How funding works

Financial assistance for individuals as well as funding for local and regional projects are delivered through local Service Canada Centres, or through a service provider contracted by the local office. Service Canada offices determine the types of funding that best meet the needs of local communities, and may offer different mixes of eligible activities, which may change from year to year.
Funding for National Projects is distributed by means of a Call for Proposals.

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/of/index.shtml

I got  the information about this program while at the OMSSA Conference this week.  I specifically asked the Service Canada reps if the applicant had to provide medical evidence of disability, and they said no, that it was a matter of self-identifying.

I'll be doing more research on this puppy -- stay tuned!

When is $500 not $500?

A new report from the Caledon Institute of Social Policy

When is $500 not $500? Ken Battle and Sherri Torjman, April 2011

 

In this commentary, the authors point out that tax credits are often worth less than they appear.  In fact, most tax credits are designed as ‘non-refundable credits.’  This design means that recipients of these tax benefits do not receive any direct cash payment.  Rather they obtain their benefit in the form of an income tax reduction when they file their taxes.  Non-refundable credits are also of limited value to households with low or no income and do little to alleviate poverty.

http://www.caledoninst.org/Publications/PDF/936ENG.pdf
Also new:
Health Care in a Renewed Federalism
Tom Kent, April 2011

A simple way to help Canada’s poorest seniors
Ken Battle, Sherri Torjman and Michael Mendelson, April 2011

Prisons or poverty? The choice is clear
Ken Battle, Sherri Torjman and Michael Mendelson, April 2011

McQuesten: Elements of a Successful Neighbourhood Initiative
Anne Makhoul, April 2011

Restoring Minimum Wages in Canada
Ken Battle, April 2011

Policy Agenda in Search of a Budget
Ken Battle, Sherri Torjman, Michael Mendelson, March 2011

Citizens for Public Justice

Here's the link:

Election 2011: Fighting poverty – the party platforms
Click on the link to check out the Parties' platforms on poverty.


"How we treat our most vulnerable citizens says a lot about our country and its values. The same is true of governments.
Citizens for Public Justice, along with our partners in the Dignity for All campaign, have long called for vigorous and sustained action by the federal government to combat poverty in Canada. We’ve described the measures that we think are necessary to achieve the vision of a poverty-free Canada in the three goals of the Dignity for All campaign:

• A federal plan for poverty elimination that complements provincial and territorial plans.
• A federal anti-poverty Act that ensures enduring federal commitment and accountability for results.
• Sufficient federal investment in social security for all Canadians.

We’ve also argued that eliminating poverty calls for a comprehensive approach that addresses factors including income security, housing, Early Childhood Education and Care, Employment Insurance and job creation."

How to wipe out seniors' poverty

 How to Wipe Out Seniors' Poverty, No Charge

A very interesting article posted April 2nd by Armine Yalnizyan, a senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

Here's a quote:

"Today 5.8 per cent of Canadians aged 65 and older are living in poverty. With rising energy and food prices, a little more cash would be very welcome in these households.

The shocking truth is we could get rid of poverty among seniors, if we want.
...
In a nation as affluent as ours, seniors’ poverty doesn’t have to exist at all. Based on what seniors already get out of public policy, we can afford to help. We don’t have to spend more. We just have to spend it differently."

Vote To Make Poverty History Campaign Launch

A federal election is a great opportunity to advance our campaign to make poverty history. Please help to make this an election that will make a difference.

We can greatly improve the chances of governments taking serious actions to make poverty history at home and abroad if we make poverty a key election issue. If we can use the election to secure commitments from party leaders on anti-poverty policies, it will be much easier to get them to keep these promises after an election.  We need to show candidates that many voters care about poverty and want to know what candidates and parties will do to make poverty history.

That is why we have launched the Vote to Make Poverty History non-partisan, third party campaign with the following goals: 

1. Make poverty an issue during the election campaign; 
2. Get a significant number of candidates to endorse Make Poverty History’s campaign goals;
3. Secure a commitment from political parties on Make Poverty History goals in party platforms and leader’s statements;
4. Motivate voters to vote to make poverty history; and
5. Help to create favourable conditions for realizing Make Poverty History goals after the election.

EIGHT WAYS TO MAKE POVERTY AN ELECTION ISSUE

1. Ask Candidates Questions About Poverty

Ask candidates to support the Make Poverty History Call to Action and wear a white band to show their support. All candidates will be sent a white band with a request that they wear it during the campaign to show they support the Make Poverty History Call to Action. Follow up with candidates in your riding by asking them to wear the white band to show they support the Make Poverty History campaign and that they will work towards realizing its goals if elected. 

• When candidates or their canvassers knock on your door, ask them if they support Make Poverty History and pose some of the Questions to Ask Candidates.
• Attend all-candidates meetings and ask questions from the Questions to Ask Candidates.
• Stop by campaign offices, speak to candidates at community events, at the mall and on the street. Ask them if they support Make Poverty History and if they'll work to make poverty history if elected. Ask them to wear the white band if they support the Make Poverty History Call to Action.
• Check the Vote to Make Poverty History website one week before voting day to see which candidates in your riding have indicated their support for the Make Poverty History goals. Then vote for the candidate you feel is best able to help make poverty history.

2. Let the world know “I’m voting to Make Poverty History”

• Print out the “I’m voting to Make Poverty History” window sign and stick it in your front window. This will let candidates and canvassers know what they need to do to get your vote.
• Order “I’m voting to Make Poverty History” buttons and bumper stickers. They are available for $50 for 50 of each. You can sell them to friends for $1 each (or give them away) and help us to get the word out. We don’t have time to set up a web store but you can just donate $50 or more on our online $50 for 50 donations site and we will send you a package.
• Set the “I’m Voting to Make Poverty History” logo as your facebook or twitter photo.
• Take a photo of yourself or a group of friends wearing the I’m voting to Make Poverty History button or holding the sign and post it to our Flickr account at www.makepovertyhistory.ca/vote. We will post it to our web site and issue a news release to draw media attention to the many people who are supporting our campaign.

3. Advertize

• Organize an “I’m voting to Make Poverty History” gathering and photo shoot and place the photo in a local community newspaper as an ad. Invite friends on facebook or use a meeting where people are already gathered and ask people to hold up “I’m voting to Make Poverty History” signs and wear buttons. Even better, create a large banner! Take a photo. Collect donations of a few dollars each to pay for placing the photo in a local community newspaper as a paid advertisement. You can download ad templates from our website.
• Download and post the “Vote to Make Poverty History” banner to your website.

4. Donate

• Donate to the Vote to Make Poverty History Campaign so that we can reach even more voters! 

5. Organize an All-Candidates Meeting

• Make Poverty History has prepared a Guide for Organizing an All-Candidates Meeting. Get together with some friends or groups concerned about global and domestic poverty issues, book a hall, invite candidates, invite the public. Or ask questions on global and domestic poverty issues at candidate meetings organized by other groups. Use the Sample Questions Make Poverty History has prepared. 
• Make Poverty History has email addresses of hundreds or even thousands of supporters in your riding. We can send out notices to these supporters of an all-candidates meeting or photo shoot you organize. Simply send us an email with all the details and we can pass the word on. In your email, remember to include the date, time and complete location of the event. 

6. Get Visible with Party Leaders

• If party leaders come to your community, show up at their events, wave “I’m voting to make poverty history” signs, wear a Make Poverty History t-shirt, ask them what they would do to help make poverty history. Be polite and have fun.

7. Take Media Action

• Publicize your views. Tell your local media you care about poverty and urge reporters to ask candidates what they'll do to help end poverty.
• Write letters to the editor, send in opinion articles and call in to radio shows. See a Sample Letter to the Editor and Sample Opinion Article Make Poverty History has prepared and revise it to add your own local angle.
• Blog, tweet and facebook about the Vote to Make Poverty History campaign. 

8. Go online

• Make Poverty History will be doing a series of online actions during the election campaign. Sign on and take action. Encourage your friends to sign-on.

With your support we will be able to mount a Vote to Make Poverty History campaign that will make a difference.

Sincerely,

Dennis Howlett

National Coordinator, Make Poverty History

So....I heard a rumour about a spring election...

This news is so old, it's dusty.  But we should have word by Friday that the campaign buses are hitting the highways in time for May 2. 

Why the conservative government thought that the opposition would happily accept some crumbs in the federal budget is beyond me.  And the way Jim Flaherty was spouting off this morning about how wonderful this budget is, I'm surprised Stephen didn't call the election himself this morning, instead of waiting for the Liberals to bring down the government.  Get on with it!

Okay...so here are the budget highlights:

-Money for seniors living in poverty.  (An added $50 a month to the GIS.  This hardly addresses senior poverty. Seriously? $50 a month?)

-Elimination of the mandatory retirement age. (So old folks can keep on contributing to society, instead of bleeding the public coffers....especially that bonus $50!)

-Creating a program to help military veterans transition to jobs in the construction trades. (Low paying, limited security, seasonal, with huge injury rates?  Please.)

-$100 million to establish a Canada Brain Research Fund.  (they should begin the search for brains in the PMO)

Harper calls election 'unnecessary'
The Montreal Gazette

Why Jack Layton said 'no' to the federal budget
Toronto Star

Tories' stillborn budget set to become 2011 election platform
The Montreal Gazette

"Make no mistake, this was a classic pre-election budget, sprinkled with dozens of trinkets that will be promoted on the hustings by Harper in a campaign that could begin as early as Saturday.

The budget was carefully crafted to cover two scenarios: an election if necessary, but not necessarily an election."

Register today for CLEONet's webinar on Disability Tax Credit

Date April 13, 2011
Time 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Where online

Disability Tax Credit

The Disability Tax Credit is an essential benefit for many people with disabilities. However, people often encounter difficulties with the forms and having them completed. This webinar, for service providers, is hosted by ARCH Disability Law Centre and presented by by Brendon Pooran, from Pooranlaw. Brendon discusses the benefits that flow from receipt of the Disability Tax Credit, and some of the issues around completion of the forms.

Space is limited so register today.

Please note: Registrations for this webinar will be taken on a first come first served basis. This webinar will also be recorded and made available as a resource on the CLEONet web site.

More Info on Federal Disability Tax Credit

Where to Get the Forms
I picked up a stack of T2201 "Medical and Disability-Related Information and Forms" at Canada Revenue Agency (SW corner of Queens and Talbot - 1st floor) this morning.  (What a gorgeous day for a stroll - WOW! Can spring be here???).  Since they couldn't spare as many as I would have liked to have on hand, I also ordered some from CRA @ 1-800-959-2221, and expect to have a stack of them delivered to the Food Bank as well.

You may also print off a copy of the T2201 HERE. It's 12 pages.

Your Member of Parliament's office may also have a supply.

Will my Doctor Charge Me to Fill out the Form?
Probably - this is an uninsured service, so not covered by OHIP. The College of Physicians & Surgeons has this to say:
"Physicians should refer to the Ontario Medical Association document, Physician’s Guide to Third-Party & Other Uninsured Services, for the recommended schedule of fees. Physicians are obligated to let patients know if they will be charging more than this guide."
According to the Ontario Medical Association's Physician’s Guide to Third-Party & Other Uninsured Services :$35.21 + tax is the recommended fee.
It's best to simply call ahead and ask.

I talked to a staff member at Irene Mathyssen's office this morning, and she told me that you can include a letter with this form and ask that previous years' tax returns be reassessed back to the date of onset of disability indicated by your doctor's certificate, up to 10 years.

More NEWS on the subject:

Disability tax credits under investigation

CBC News

February 9, 2011

Company using unqualified doctors to cash in on tax relief

Toronto Star

February 9, 2011

FAQ about London Transit

Get on Board: A handy reference that answers many common questions about using London Transit

If you are unfamiliar with the LTC routes serving the origin or destination of your trip, you can try using the London Transit Interactive CityMap. This program will permit you to find the bus routes that serve your trip origin and destination points.

Fares: An adult fare is $2.75 (with a 90 minute transfer), but 5 tickets can be purchased for $9.50 ($1.90 each) at at either of our offices and at hundreds of convenient locations throughout the city. 

Public Transit Tax Credit: On July 1, 2006, the Government of Canada launched its program to offer individual Canadians a non-refundable tax credit to help cover the cost of public transit. Because it is a non-refundable tax credit, anyone who applies does not receive the money in the form of a refund. Instead, the amount claimed is multiplied by the lowest personal income tax rate for the year and then is deducted from the amount of tax owed for that year.

May 3: Registered Disability Savings Plan Workshop

Date: May 3, 2011
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where: Heritage East Resource Centre, 872 Dundas St. Rear (Ontario Street), London, ON

The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) helps Canadians with disabilities, and their families, save for the future. RDSP is available to Canadians who are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit. Those who are eligible, can open an RDSP at one of several financial organizations across the country.

This workshop will explain more about RDSP and how the Government of Canada is supporting RDSP's by matching contributions made. This is a great way to maximize any retro payments from ODSP or CPP.

This workshop is open to all, including clients and service workers. Registration is at the phone number below.

For more details visit:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=180867238624029&index=1

For more information:
Phone (519) 438-8676

Registered Disability Savings Plan information

Scourge of the Poor: Disability Tax Thieves??

An ad for Disability Benefit Group came over the fax at the office the other day.  It looks like another capitalist scammer private company, making big money off the backs of the poor. 


How this expoitive operation works is to file for tax credits that disabled people are entitled to, and then charge 25-30% of the value of the refund. Apparently, H&R Block offers the same service for $27 for each year reviewed. The thing is...you can do this yourself, FOR FREE!


So, before anyone signs up with National Benefit Authority, Ability Tax Group, Canadian Benefits Group Inc., Canadian Disability Corporation, Canadian Disability Tax Credit Group, Disability Tax Services,  Disability Tax Help, or any other similar sounding companies, they should take a look at the Canada Revenue Agency and see how easy it is to file these forms independently.  The Member of Parliament's constituency offices can offer advice on this as well.

Glen Pearson - London-North-Centre
Irene Mathyssen - London-Fanshawe
Ed Holder - London West
Joe Preston - Elgin-Middlesex-London

NEWS

Disabilty group a company not a charity

Jan 17, 2011

Toronto Star

Agency charged woman $10000 for tax claim she could have filed for free

Jan 5, 2011

Toronto Star

Disabled benefits should be better advertised

Aug 12, 2010

Toronto Star

Do you have a child younger than 7? Free money!

The federal government will contribute $500 for a Canada Learning Bond for any child born since January 1, 2004, who lives in a low-income family.  And the feds add another $100 every year, and matches any extra family contribution by as much as 40%!

Never heard of this?  You're not alone.  About 880,000 kids in Canada are eligible for this program, but less than 20% are enrolled. Detailed information about the CLB, as well as Registered Education Savings Plans and the Canada Education Savings Grant, is available on Canlearn.ca.

Education savings bonds can help level the playing field between poor kids and kids from more affluent families.  Two-thirds of children in affluent neighbourhoods go on to postsecondary school.  Two-thirds of kids in poor neighbourhoods don't even apply.  But poor kids with even a modes amount of savings set aside apply at much higher rates.

Aside from culminating in a degree or diploma -- and possibly post-graduate studies -- saving now for college or university has many added benefits. It is a powerful thing for parents to communicate to their children that they expect them to go on to college or university and that post-secondary education is a valuable investment. Knowing that college or university is in their future, children tend to focus on their elementary and high school grades to ensure they'll go to the school of their choice. Even if you never went past high school, paving the way for your kids to do so will begin to ensure that future generations of your family will get the education you never did, and they deserve.

HRSDC has a brochure available called "Get Money Now For your Child's Education After High School" which is available in several languages: French, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Arabic, Korean, Inuktitut, Punjabi, and Tagalog.

To order copies of this brochure contact:
Publications Services
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada140 Promenade du Portage
Phase IV, 12^th Floor
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0J9
Fax: 819-953-7260
Online: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/publications

News

Free Money You've Never Heard Of

Globe and Mail

February 8, 2011