On October 9, 2024, Ombudsperson Marc-André Dowd sent the Committee on Labour and Economy a letter in which he commented on Bill 71 - Act to improve support for persons and to simplify the social assistance regime.
As Mr. Dowd sees it, the changes to the Individual and Family Assistance Act are generally positive. However, he stresses that it will be important to promote the new individualized intervention plan. To request it, the people concerned will have to know that this option exists.
Moreover, the Ombudsperson said he is worried about those who receive a temporarily limited capacity for employment allowance. If the bill is passed, this allowance will no longer exist. Solutions are in place to compensate for this cut, but they do not apply to all claimant categories. Some people are therefore likely to suffer when this financial assistance is removed. Fortunately, so that they can access benefit adjustments or special benefits, a regulatory amendment is planned for after the bill is passed. The Ombudsperson will keep a close eye on developments in this area to ensure that appropriate financial measures are proposed.
