Group business and activists aim to modernize income security

Community Action, March 21, 2005

TORONTO -- The Task Force on Modernizing Income Security for Working Age Adults led by the Toronto City Summit Alliance and Toronto's St. Christopher House has begun its work. Made up of prominent members from business, academia and public life, it aims to reform income security policies.

"There is both a social and economic urgency to tackling these problems. Our economy needs the participation of all working age adults, a need that will grow significantly due to the aging population," said David Pecaut, Chair of Toronto City Summit Alliance. "Moreover, changes in the last decade in income security policies put municipal governments hugely at risk in the event of an economic downturn. It is critical we tackle these issues while the economy is still performing strongly."

The Task Force will create a roadmap for change, to be released this summer, which will include policy recommendations to create a more effective income security system. Recommendations will be aimed at the federal, Ontario and municipal governments as well as other parts of society that can be part of the solution. The Task Force will focus on ensuring that the recommendations are implemented.

The Atkinson Charitable Foundation is the lead sponsor and provided seed money to set up the Task Force. Additional funding is being provided by the foundations including the Laidlaw Foundation, the Law Foundation of Ontario, The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, and United Way of Greater Toronto.

416-955-4220