In light of the Ontario Social Planning Network’s newly released report on child poverty, Margaret Little, professor of political studies, is available to discuss the lack of political discussion around welfare rates.
“We have not even begun to recover from the 22 per cent welfare rate cut when the Harris Tories came to power in 1995,” says Dr. Little. “The miniscule increase in welfare rates under the McGuinty Liberals doesn’t even begin to address the increase in child and adult poverty in Ontario under his leadership.” 
Voting day for Ontario’s election is less than a month away and “we have yet to hear any politicians promise to increase welfare rates,” says Dr. Little. “I applaud the Ontario Social Planning Network and its report for trying to put poverty issues on the electoral platform.”
Dr. Little is the author of two books about women and poverty.
To arrange an interview contact Molly Kehoe, molly.kehoe@queensu.ca, 613.533.2877 or Alissa Deley, alissa.deley@queensu.ca, 613.533.6000 ext 77513, Queen’s News & Media Services