As the liberal government in Ontario continue their attacks on the poor, anti-poverty activists in KW are rallying the community to support each other and fight austerity!

Protect the Special Diet Allowance, Raise the Rates and Promote Access to Healthy Food for Everyone!

The Ministry of Community and Social Services says "some people will stop getting an allowance". We say this is unacceptable!

Interviews with Kitchener-Waterloo Based anti-poverty activists Ian and Alison of the SPOT Collective and AW@L.

http://rabble.ca/audio/download/81237/aw%40lradio-rabble-2011-01-21-psmus.mp3

Background
In March 2010, the McGuinty government announced the planned cancellation of the Special Diet Allowance, a fund for people receiving social assistance who have medical conditions, leaving it unclear whether those who currently receive this vital support would be covered under a new plan. Now, the government has removed many of the conditions previously eligible, indicating that "some people will stop getting an allowance". This is yet another blow to poor people in Ontario. OW and ODSP rates are already woefully inadequate, leaving their recipients struggling to afford food and housing. Increases for cost of living have lagged behind inflation since 1995. While corporations get tax cuts, the Ontario Liberals are balancing the budget on the backs of the poor.

This Saturday, join us for free clothing and toy give-away, music, speakers and an opportunity to share your experiences as we denounce these policies and call for justice. This will be a kid-friendly rally.

Following the rally there will be an anti-gentrification march hosted by the Spot Collective.

See you there!
Contact forspecialdiet@gmail.com for more information or to get involved.