Podcasts about odsp

When we talk about the affordability crisis, you sometimes hear the term “legislated poverty”, meaning the state of social assistance rates like Ontario Works and ODSP that assure people can never get ahead because the amounts paid never cover all the real costs of daily life. That's why Mike Morrice decided to act when he was elected to the House of Commons in 2021, but like all great quests, it hasn't ended up the way he envisioned. Can one person make a difference? This is the question when you elect anyone, but without a party whip or a legislative agenda, an MP pretty much has to follow their own north star and Kitchener MP Morrice followed his star to a private member's bill called the Canada Disability Benefit Act. The goal was to offer low-barrier, additional assistance to people with disabilities to help get them out of legislated poverty, but as always happens, reality couldn't live up to aspirations. When finished, the act proposed that people with disabilities in Canada will receive *up to* $200 per month once they've been approved for the Disability Tax Credit and all the requisite forms have been filled. On top of that, there was even doubt for a while that disabled people would even start getting their $200 this summer because the Treasury Board hadn't approved the regulations until last week, which wouldn't have happened at all in the event of a snap election. So how does the man who sponsored the Canada Disability Benefit Act feel now that he's on the other side? Morrice will talk about that, why he fought so hard for the act, and why, even though it's watered down, it's still going to be a game changer for people with disabilities in Canada. He will also talk about the ins and outs working with the government to get the bill done, fighting for key provisions to make the bill better, and the marathon the last few weeks to get the regulations finished before any potential election.  So let's talk about how the proverbial sausage gets made on this week's Guelph Politicast! You can learn more about the Canada Disability Benefit Act on the Government of Canada's website. You can also check out Mike Morrice's ongoing advocacy on this and other issues at his website. The host for the Guelph Politicast is Podbean. Find more episodes of the Politicast here, or download them on your favourite podcast app at Apple, TuneIn and Spotify . Also, when you subscribe to the Guelph Politicast channel and you will also get an episode of Open Sources Guelph every Monday, and an episode of End Credits every Friday.

In anticipation of the upcoming Ontario Provincial Election, twelve agencies from across Ontario organized a political debate on February 19th, 2025. The debate allowed representatives from each major political part to address major issues that affect the disability community. David Lepofsky, chair of the AODA Alliance and one of the organizers of the debate joined host Grant Hardy and his special guest co-host Jacob Shymanski on The Pulse after the debate. David provided an update on what the party's platforms are on major disability issues like ODSP, housing, and social services budget cuts. Plus, at the end of the episode David, Grant, and Jacob discuss accessible voting.  Check out the Pulse on YouTube!About AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaIncEmail feedback@ami.ca

Community Living Guelph Wellington has been around since 1955 providing support and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families in the communities in which they live, and for the last few years they've faced some serious financial issues. 2024 is no exception, but might the important services of Community Living get lost in the shuffle of all the crushing need out there. This is from an article in the Wellington Advertiser last week: “Community Living Guelph Wellington is facing a $3 million deficit in 2025 and will be closing two of its residential sites to rein in expenses.” That sounds pretty bad, but it sounds even worse when you realize that this is a dance that's happened every fall for the last few years, and that doesn't do a lot for the long-term sustainability of the organization. Another detail from the Advertiser article is that Community Living's funding has only increased four per cent in the last 30 years. If you think about issues around Ontario funding for autism programs, or the severe underfunding of payouts for everyone receiving money under the Ontario Disability Support Program, or ODSP, it's pretty clear that there's a crisis when it comes to supporting people with special needs in this province. This week, we're going to shed some light on what might be the most overlooked demographic in the area of people in need, and how we can all do better on their behalf. So we're joined by Cindy Kinnon, the executive director of Community Living Guelph Wellington, who will talk about how long they've been managing with a budget shortfall, and how they've managed to get across the fiscal finish line in the last few years, and how every one in Guelph can help them out. So let's go inside Community Living on this week's Guelph Politicast! You can learn more about Community Living Guelph Wellington at their website, you can follow them @clguelphwell on Facebook and Instagram, or you can get in touch with them the old fashioned way on the phone at 519-824-2480. If you're interested in signing the petition to help support Community Living, send an email to Pam Howard at howard.march [at] outlook.com. The host for the Guelph Politicast is Podbean. Find more episodes of the Politicast here, or download them on your favourite podcast app at Apple, TuneIn and Spotify. Also, when you subscribe to the Guelph Politicast channel and you will also get an episode of Open Sources Guelph every Monday, and an episode of End Credits every Friday.

Living on $15,000 a year on ODSP, people are unable to afford food and rent, which can lead to homelessness. They also face issues like being charged new bus fares and not having accessible sidewalks in the winter. Tim Nolan, founder of Accessibility Hamilton Alliance, discussed these challenges with host Laura Babcock. They highlighted the need for policy solutions at the municipal and provincial levels to ensure equity of choice for all Ontarians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nisany is a registered psychotherapist qualifying in Ontario. She offers free counseling sessions and is a content creator around mental health. TRIGGER WARNING: In this episode, we talk about depression, abuse, and other topics that might be difficult for some listeners. We talk about finding a therapist, communicating with your parents, abusive relationships, drugs, coping mechanisms, and more. This is meant to open discussions about therapy, counseling and mental health within our South Asian community. Follow Nisany on IG @nisany_ Video versions from this episode are available on our Patreon, plus bonus content not included in this episode. BECOME A PATREON MEMBER: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/BasementReels⁠⁠ WATCH OUR MOVIE "THE MISADVENTURE OF UNLIKELY HEROES": ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/basementreels⁠⁠⁠ GET YOUR OWN BREELS MERCH FOR A LIMITED TIME: ⁠⁠https://www.redbubble.com/people/breels/shop?asc=u Find and share on IG @basementreels For sponsorship or questions you'd like answered on the next pod, please email basementreels@gmail.com. Below is a list of Virtual Individual Therapy available in the Greater Toronto Area. Mental health resources Crisis Talk Suicide 1-833-456-4566 (available 24/7)Text 45645 (available 4pm to 12am)    Toronto Distress Centres 416-408-4357  Self-help Bounce Back program - online free self-help program for individuals 15 and up with mild to moderate anxiety or depression or difficulties feeling low, stressed, worried, irritable or angry. https://bouncebackontario.ca/  Anxiety Canada - online resource with information about anxiety related issues https://www.anxietycanada.com/  Mood Disorders Society of Canada - online resource with information about various mood and anxiety related difficulties such as depression, bipolar disorder etc. https://mdsc.ca/  ConnexOntario - support with health care service information. If unsure what services you may need or have questions about how to access services in your area, staff at ConnexOntario can help. 1-866-531-2600 (available 24/7) https://www.connexontario.ca/en-ca/  Family doctor - if you have a family doctor they are a great initial point of contact. They can help guide you through the mental health system and send referrals for therapy. When in doubt, they are a good starting point.  Therapy (free or sliding scale)Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program (OSPP) - FREE -  virtual or in person cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for mood and anxiety related disorders such as depression, generalized anxiety, OCD and PTSD. No diagnosis required.  Self-referral or referral by a health care provider.  This program is offered at various sites throughout the province.   https://www.ontarioshores.ca/services/ontario-structured-psychotherapy-program  Family health teams - FREE - if you have a family doctor who works with a family health team, there is a good chance that there are therapists on staff available to patients at the clinic.  To obtain a referral, speak with your family doctor.  Community agencies offer therapy on a sliding scale based on income. For individuals receiving ODSP, OW or another form of social assistance, therapy is typically free.  Therapy at a community agency is usually more affordable than therapy through a private clinic. Some agencies offering this services in Toronto include:  - Family Service Toronto https://familyservicetoronto.org/   - Catholic Family Services of Toronto https://www.cfstoronto.com/ - There are many family services agencies including Jewish Child and Family and Native Child and Family that offer similar services.  Note that you do not need to be a member of a particular community or religious background to receive therapy.   Private therapy (fee for service)  Psychology Today - online registry of therapists https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca Affordable Therapy Network - another online registry of therapists https://affordabletherapynetwork.com/

Saudações humano! Neste episódio, a casa do governo do P.E.I. proíbe sessões de fotos em grupo, mulher tetraplégica considera morte medicamente assistida por causa de longos tempos de espera de ODSP, temperaturas do mar no Canadá Atlântico batem recordes novamente em 2022, Canadá tem 3 das cidades mais habitáveis do mundo, hackers alinhados à Rússia estão tentando interromper o setor de energia do Canadá Também discutimos como a produção de petróleo do Canadá cairia até 2050 em um mundo líquido zero, a política linguística nas eleições federais de Montreal e a busca de New Brunswick por processar por custos de saúde relacionados aos opióides. Fique por dentro das últimas notícias e análises do Canadá. Não perca este episódio repleto de informações importantes para entender o panorama atual do país.

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TikTok and other social media has a trust crisis in Canada. Grant Hardy leads this discussion (7:18). On In The Know, Margrett Weldon discusses the ins and outs of the Ontario Disability Support Program (21:35). We have the Wednesday Buzz with Bill Shackleton (37:25).

On today's episode, we will be talking about ODSP and Medical assistance in dying, (MAID). There is currently inadequate funding and support for people living with disabilities in Ontario through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). An overwhelming majority of ODSP recipients live in poverty, with access to affordable housing and affordable healthcare being out of reach for many. This problem is coupled with expansion in 2021 of the eligibility for Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), that has seen increased rates of application from those struggling under Ontario's system, and there is concern over the potential future expansion in March of this year. Our first guest, Mike Schreiner, a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) and leader of the Ontario Green Party since 2009, speaks about the recent trend and what can be done about improving ODSP. Our second guest, Trevor Manon outlines the work done by the ODSP Action Coalition, of which he is Secretary Co-Chair, and the challenges faced by those who rely on the group and their advocacy.   Guests Mike Schreiner -  Green Party of Ontario Trevor Manson - ODSP Action Coalition    Producers Maria Cvetkova - Junior Producer Antoine Fougere-Ramsamooj - Junior Producer Jordan Egan - Junior Producer

It's impossible. ODSP ActionCoalition's Trevor Manson says he eats one meal a day. Rabia Khedr, National Director for Disability Without Poverty, is calling on the provincial and federal governments to help people with disablities out of poverty.

Guest: Robert Cribb, investigative reporter A joint investigation between the Toronto Star and the Investigative Journalism Bureau followed the life — and death — of Michael Fraser to offer a glimpse into the complexity and ethics of Canada's legislation around medically assistance in dying, and those that believe it is their only option. The Star's Robert Cribb, along with Charlie Buckley, Thea Gribilas and Declan Keogh of the Investigative Journalism Bureau, were behind the investigation. This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Alexis Green.

If there is one area the Left needs to improve, it is around Disability Rights. Some of the policies coming out of the NDP are problematic, some even detrimental to disability justice. We focus on ODSP, MAiD, the Federal Disability Benefit and of course, the response to COVID. NDP Disability Co-Chair, Jay Woodruff provides an inside perspective on what its like trying to advocate for better policies and meaningful accommodations within Canada's progressive party. It isn't just electoral politics failing disabled people. This episode explores the many ways in which many movements have left disability justice off their agendas.

Elon Musk takes over twitter.  How did the first weekend go? The Ontario government has figured out how to prevent a strike by education workers. Doug Ford did some math on social assistance; what did he get wrong?Time Codes:00:23 - Are they ready for Hallowe'en in Eastern Passage?02:11 - Becky's voice is back(ish)04:18 - Elon Musk's first weekend as “Chief Twit”11:36 - Marjorie Taylor Greene - Speaker of the House???!!14:15: - Who is the adult at the Cabinet Table at Queen's Park?21:22 - Sixty bucks a month is nothing for people on ODSP23:58 - Today on The Daily Brief -  Andrea Hatala. (Who co-wrote the ODSP piece in the Star) 30:52 - We're pretty excited about what we've got coming up next week.Check out our friends at the RCAF Foundation  https://rcaffoundation.ca/Thanks again for supporting Now and Next through your Supercast subscription!Now & Next Cast and CrewAssociate Producer - Becky ColesProduction Manager - Jaime NickersonAudio Editors - Mike Treutler and Drew GarnerSonic Logo Designer and Creative Branding - Greg MacDonaldExecutive Producers - Erin and Dave TraffordContact us...Dave on Twitter www.twitter.com/davetraffordErin on Twitter www.twitter.com/erintraffordErin on Instagram www.instagram.com/its.erintraffordErin on TikTok www.tiktok.com/erintraffordEmail us hello@storystudionetwork.comNow & Next is a Story Studio Network Original

Ontario Hubs affordability journalist Kat Eschner discusses her research into the call to increase ODSP and Ontario Works assistance payments due to inflation and rising costs of living.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NDP MPP Jessica Bell has lived on $95.21 for the last two weeks to bring awareness to low ODSP subsidies..Teacher snack shames a students lunch, is that crossing a line?..Ben Harrison gives a wrap-up on the Toronto International Film Festival

Today the Bank of Canada announced they were increasing interest rates by another 75 basis points, bringing us to a total increase of 3.25%. When we see interest rates go up, we see cost of living go up, but those who are on ODSP, often get the short end of the stick when it comes to getting an affordable income to support themselves. To send a message to Doug Ford that this isn't an acceptable way to live, MPPs across Ontario are confining themselves to only spending $92.51 for two weeks worth of groceries to really understand what it's like to squeeze those dollars. Joining Alex to discuss this is David Lepofsky, a Lawyer and Chair with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance.

Today: Tiff Macklem is raising interest rates again and it will hurt families. Baseball needs to stop clearing the benches. Living on ODSP isn't realistic. Employees that judge customers. Juul ordered to pay huge money in America. The parties on Ezra St in Waterloo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy joins the pod to talk about his approach to managing Ontario's finances, ODSP rates, the budget, threats to the provincial economy, and more. Email aidanchamandy@ipolitics.ca with any questions, concerns or praise. Music: "Private Eye" by Kevin McLeod From the Free Music Archive CC BY

Kelly talks to David Lepofsky, chair of the Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act Alliance.

The Ontario government will boost disability support payments by five per cent starting in September, and tie future increases to inflation. We ask the difference that makes for you, with Trevor Manson of the ODSP Action Coalition

Researchers develop new nursing program to help prevent burnout. Finance Minister asked if he could live on ODSP. We ask you.

It's OneDrive's 15th birthday, and all the presents are for you. On this episode, Ankita Kirti and Mark Kashman chat with Arwa Tyebkhan (Principal GPM | OneDrive) and Steven Bailey (CVP OneDrive and SharePoint engineering) to celebrate both OneDrive's 15th lap around the sun AND to hear more about the new OneDrive Home experience. We first go into the way-back machine to learn about the evolution from Windows Live Mesh, Grove.exe and SharePoint Workspaces, into SkyDrive and SkyDrive Pro, and land on OneDrive as we know it today. We also discover that it's not only OneDrive's birthday… the team has been hard at work redesigning the OneDrive Home experience to help you easily resume your work and catch up on what you missed while you were away – everything at-a-glance and easy to prioritize where to start working. Click here for this episode's corresponding blog post. Steven Bailey (CVP OneDrive and SharePoint engineering lead) | LinkedIn Arwa Tyebkhan  (Principal GPM - OneDrive) | LinkedIn  Mark Kashman |@mkashman [co-host] Ankita Kirti | @Ankita_Kirti21 [co-host] OneDrive | @OneDrive | OneDrive community blog | Provide feedback SharePoint | @SharePoint | SharePoint community blog | Provide feedback Resources: "OneDrive turns 15!" - A brief history and introducing a new OneDrive Home experience | by Ankita Kirti (blog, customer video, podcast) Short "OneDrive turns 15!" video + screenshots of new OneDrive home experience Microsoft Docs - The home for Microsoft documentation for end users, developers, and IT professionals.  Microsoft Tech Community Home Stay on top of Office 365 changes Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at aka.ms/microsoft/podcasts Upcoming Events: 365 EduCon - Dallas (Aug. 8-12, 2022; Dallas, TX) HR Tech (Sept.13-16.2022; Mandalay Bay - Las Vegas, NV) Microsoft Power Platform Conference (Sept.20-22.2022; Orlando, FL) European Cloud Summit (Sept.26-28; Mainz, GE) 365 EduCon - Chicago (Sept.26-30; Chicago, IL) Microsoft Ignite (Oct.12-14; Hybrid) + FAQs + follow @MS_Ignite  Microsoft Lists workshop [On-demand]   Follow The Intrazone at aka.ms/TheIntrazone  

It's OneDrive's 15th birthday, and all the presents are for you. On this episode, Ankita Kirti and Mark Kashman chat with Arwa Tyebkhan (Principal GPM | OneDrive) and Steven Bailey (CVP OneDrive and SharePoint engineering) to celebrate both OneDrive's 15th lap around the sun AND to hear more about the new OneDrive Home experience. We first go into the way-back machine to learn about the evolution from Windows Live Mesh, Grove.exe and SharePoint Workspaces, into SkyDrive and SkyDrive Pro, and land on OneDrive as we know it today. We also discover that it's not only OneDrive's birthday… the team has been hard at work redesigning the OneDrive Home experience to help you easily resume your work and catch up on what you missed while you were away – everything at-a-glance and easy to prioritize where to start working. Click here for this episode's corresponding blog post. Steven Bailey (CVP OneDrive and SharePoint engineering lead) | LinkedIn Arwa Tyebkhan  (Principal GPM - OneDrive) | LinkedIn  Mark Kashman |@mkashman [co-host] Ankita Kirti | @Ankita_Kirti21 [co-host] OneDrive | @OneDrive | OneDrive community blog | Provide feedback SharePoint | @SharePoint | SharePoint community blog | Provide feedback Resources: "OneDrive turns 15!" - A brief history and introducing a new OneDrive Home experience | by Ankita Kirti (blog, customer video, podcast) Short "OneDrive turns 15!" video + screenshots of new OneDrive home experience Microsoft Docs - The home for Microsoft documentation for end users, developers, and IT professionals.  Microsoft Tech Community Home Stay on top of Office 365 changes Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at aka.ms/microsoft/podcasts Upcoming Events: 365 EduCon - Dallas (Aug. 8-12, 2022; Dallas, TX) HR Tech (Sept.13-16.2022; Mandalay Bay - Las Vegas, NV) Microsoft Power Platform Conference (Sept.20-22.2022; Orlando, FL) European Cloud Summit (Sept.26-28; Mainz, GE) 365 EduCon - Chicago (Sept.26-30; Chicago, IL) Microsoft Ignite (Oct.12-14; Hybrid) + FAQs + follow @MS_Ignite  Microsoft Lists workshop [On-demand]   Follow The Intrazone at aka.ms/TheIntrazone

A huge Richmond Hill home has neighbours concerned, City Councillor Karen Cilevitz explains...Serena Williams announces retirement, Mike McIntyre gives some perspective...What does the latest Ontario budget have to offer those on ODSP

Guests: Trevor Manson, co-chair ODSP Action Coalition, and Anne Jensen, mental health and disability advocate Ontario's Disability Support Program (ODSP), which provides income and employment support to people with disabilities, has been criticized by advocates for being out of touch with economic realities. The most a single person can receive through ODSP is $1,169 per month, or $14,028 annually. That's about 30 per cent below the province's poverty line of roughly $20,000. The Ford government has promised a modest ODSP boost of 5 percent, but is it anywhere near to the skyrocketing cost of living in this province? We ask two people on ODSP what it's like to get by on so little. This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn

[Recording date: May 30, 2022] The Eager Beaver Pod asks its guests if they're willing to provide an extended interview, so that we may better get to know them/what makes them tick. When they agree, we package it together and present it to you as part of this series. This week's guest, Melissa Dufoe-Osaabiikwe, is a longtime advocate for youth in care as well as the disability community, and right now, she is fervently ringing the alarm when it comes to that which Premier Ford Edsel has in store for Ontarians living with disabilities. Anyone of us could, at any time -- even today -- become disabled. If you don't want that which is happening to Ontario Disability Support Program recipients to happen to you (or a loved one) should you (they) suddenly become disabled, it may be time to take a good, long, hard look at an oft invisible community, and to make their interests our interests also, when Ontarians vote on June 2. A lot has been going on under our noses while COVID occupied our attention. You will both definitely be shocked by what you will learn and impressed with just how fierce is this advocate. _____ Because we believe that Democracy Is Something You Do... If good care and treatment of animals is a cause dear to your heart, Veterinarians Without Borders Canada is working with Ukraine animal shelters to get them emergency food, water, and the basics for survival. If you can help, the link will direct you to their donation page. And... Vote! Vote! Vote! Of course, retweets, shares, gentle corrections, constructive criticism, compliments, tips, requests and positive reviews (if you think we deserve some stars, please rate us) are always welcome.  You can do that via our show's Facebook blog page on via Twitter @TrueEager.  Until then, be kind to, and gentle with, yourselves,   Your Eager Beaver  * * *  Thank you to our podcast's founding sponsors: * The Peppermaster * The Miss Vee Mysteries from Corvid Moon Publishing * Canadian Tarot Dot Com Artwork credit: Peter Jarvis Follow Melissa via @osaabiikwe1

Ontario election!!We talk about racist attacks on Jagmeet Singh and how Ontario is failing people with disabilities and ODSP recipients. NO ONE is doing the right thing here!?We also talk about more Doug Ford scandals and what the NDP needs to do to make an impact in this election. 

David Lepofsky, chair of the AODA Alliance, discusses why he thinks this is the most important election in two decades for people with disabilities in the province and what commitments the parties need to make to get Ontario closer to its goal of being accessible by 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not sure what happened in the party war rooms in the past few days, but all four major parties have committed to increasing the Ontario Disability Support Program. The increases would range from about $60 to nearly $1200 a month. @CityCynthia joins the show to give her read of why this issue has spiked to the top of the political priority list at Queen's Park.

Not sure what happened in the party war rooms in the past few days, but all four major parties have committed to increasing the Ontario Disability Support Program. The increases would range from about $60 to nearly $1200 a month. @CityCynthia joins the show to give her read of why this issue has spiked to the top of the political priority list at Queen's Park.

Not enough money for rent, food or medical care. Claw backs and discrimination if you try to work. Anthony Frisina with the Ontario Disability Coalition and Green Party campaign manager Maddy Dever call for an increase in ODSP rates.

Callers raise concerns about ODSP, highways, mental health, mining in the Ring of Fire, development and climate change. Analysis with Queen's Park Observer journalist Sabrina Nanji; and Mostafa Askari, Chief Economist at the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy.

Ken Pope is partnering with the Asperger's Society of Ontario to help outline important information regarding special needs & disability estate planning.Learn about:• Wills and Henson Trusts• ODSP and how it can affect estate planning.• How all families with adult children with special needs can benefit from the improved caregiver tax credit• Disability Tax Credit recapturing ($16,000-$22,000)• RDSPs and how they can grow to $700,000• Lifetime Benefit Trusts for RRIFs• Guardianships vs. Power of Attorney explainedFor more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our website www.kpopelaw.comGet an assessment with us:https://kpopelaw.com/ken-pope-disability-estate-planning-family-evaluation-form/Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter https://kpopelaw.com/ken-pope-henson-trusts-lawyer-enews-signup/

A roadside assistance business owner, a gig worker, maple syrup farmer, and woman on ODSP are all getting squeezed. Economist Vijay Muralidharan with Kalibrate and Kent Group says prices could stay high for a while.

Learn about the differences between countries on the following topics:• Wills and Estate Planning• Henson Trusts and Lifetime Benefit Trusts• Social Benefits • Tax Credits• Registered Disability Savings Plans• Guardianship & Other Substitute Decision Making StrategiesFor more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our website www.kpopelaw.comGet an assessment with us:https://kpopelaw.com/ken-pope-disability-estate-planning-family-evaluation-form/Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter https://kpopelaw.com/ken-pope-henson-trusts-lawyer-enews-signup/

Tenant rights, Human Rights, ODSP issues and so much more. Community Legal Clinics deliver services to impoverished clients in need of legal advice and support. Join us as we discuss how these organizations can help your clients with Aidan Johnson, Executive Director of the Niagara Community Legal Clinic. This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. Funding to purchase equipment was provided by the Niagara Community Foundation. Links discussed in this episode: https://www.niagaracommunitylegalclinic.com/services/how-we-help/ https://www.legalaid.on.ca

1. Why a Will is the cornerstone of a good estate plan.Get to dictate where assets go, guardian of children, who administers estateWithout a Will, the law decides who gets assets and it's not necessarily all to a spouseStreamlines estate administration and can help to reduce taxes/fees on death2. What makes for a good Will?Revokes previous WillsNames executor and alternateDisposes of household itemsGiftsResidue – no missing piecesAdministrative provisions – a few pages at leastSigned and witnessed3. Beyond the Will, what should someone pay attention to when creating or updating their estate plan?Assets, family situation, contractual or support obligations Executor and an eye to the administration of the estate4. What should someone consider when naming an executor?Should be ideally in province, definitely in CanadaFinancially savvy, time, ageRelationship with beneficiaries, potential for conflictConsider professional executor5. What are some of the main issues that can complicate estate planning and administrationPoor Wills, Will challenges (undue influence)Joint assets – who actually owns them?Conflict – siblings; blended familiesCottageAccusations against executor6. What is probate and how can it be avoided or minimized?Probate is a court process to get court's stamp of approval on the WillProbate fees approx.. 1.5% of the estate valuesPlanning techniques: assets joint with spouse, beneficiary designations, gifting during lifeEach of the above has complications and pitfalls so important to be done holisticall7. Why a trust can be an important part of an estate plan.Trusts – give someone benefit of money, but trustee controlsTerms can be very flexible – from discretionary to set; can end at a certain age or continue, can have one or more beneficiariesGenerally used to protect vulnerable beneficiaries – minors, disabled (ODSP), spendthrift, vulnerable spouseCan sometimes be used to provide some income splitting, but less so now with changes to trust taxationNeed a trustee who knows what they are doing, trustworthy, time, objective

Grab a tea and tune in as Ken outlines important information including recent and upcoming changes regarding special needs & disability estate planning.• Wills and Henson Trusts• ODSP and how it can affect estate planning.• How all families with adult children with special needs can benefit from the improved caregiver tax credit• Disability Tax Credit recapturing ($16,000-$22,000)• RDSPs and how they can grow to $700,000• Lifetime Benefit Trusts for RRIFs• Guardianships vs. Power of Attorney explainedFor more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our website www.kpopelaw.comGet an assessment with us:https://kpopelaw.com/ken-pope-disability-estate-planning-family-evaluation-form/Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter https://kpopelaw.com/ken-pope-henson-trusts-lawyer-enews-signup/Subscribe to our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/KennethPope

Grab a tea and tune in as Ken outlines important information including recent and upcoming changes regarding special needs & disability estate planning.• Wills and Henson Trusts• ODSP and how it can affect estate planning.• How all families with adult children with special needs can benefit from the improved caregiver tax credit• Disability Tax Credit recapturing ($16,000-$22,000)• RDSPs and how they can grow to $700,000• Lifetime Benefit Trusts for RRIFs• Guardianships vs. Power of Attorney explainedFor more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our website www.kpopelaw.comGet an assessment with us:https://kpopelaw.com/ken-pope-disability-estate-planning-family-evaluation-form/Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter https://kpopelaw.com/ken-pope-henson-trusts-lawyer-enews-signup/Subscribe to our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/KennethPope

Disability & estate planning specialist Kenneth Pope partnered with CHEO Parent Navigators Lilian Kitcher & Teresa MacMillan to discuss various family needs as well as provincial and federal benefits.For more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our website www.kpopelaw.comGet an assessment with us:https://kpopelaw.com/ken-pope-disability-estate-planning-family-evaluation-form/Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter https://kpopelaw.com/ken-pope-henson-trusts-lawyer-enews-signup/

Many people who rely on the Ontario Disability Support Program are finding it more difficult than ever to make ends meet, and finding their money runs out well before each month ends. Hamilton-Niagara Hub journalist Justin Chandler has been looking into the gap between that support and the rising cost of living, and what further measures can be taken to help people get through what continues to be an uncertain time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anyone else beginning to notice a common theme here? Sources: https://www.reddit.com/r/PublicFreakout/comments/oa0oq2/activist_attempt_to_give_water_to_immigrants_on_a/ https://twitter.com/davidsirota/status/1407732229560668162 https://www.dailyposter.com/a-backroom-deal-to-kill-single-payer/ https://twitter.com/SCOTUSblog/status/1410599645420523525 https://twitter.com/MMNonMeansTV/status/1410594016626982912 https://twitter.com/commaficionado/status/1411256002549325826 https://twitter.com/hinz_tamara/status/1411069817973473288 https://twitter.com/mekki/status/1409667175212744704 https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-91-the-early-edition https://twitter.com/KM0331/status/1410359303127531520 https://twitter.com/David_Moscrop/status/1410238222484058113

Back by popular demand, Ken and his team hosted another Q&A session where they answered viewers pressing questions about:• Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)• ODSP benefits, increases & income and asset tests. ($896 - $1169)• Disability & caregiver tax credit recaptures. ($16,000 & $10,000)• Legal guardianship & powers of attorney• Wills, Henson Trusts & estate planning• Dying without a will or Henson Trust• Using life insurance to fund Trusts• RDSPs and anything else you'd like us to addressFor more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our websiteClick HERE to get an assessment with us.Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter HERE 

Back by popular demand, Ken hosted another Q&A session where he answered viewers pressing questions about:• Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)• ODSP benefits, increases & income and asset tests. ($896 - $1169)• Disability & caregiver tax credit recaptures. ($16,000 & $10,000)• Legal guardianship & powers of attorney• Wills, Henson Trusts & estate planning• Dying without a will or Henson Trust• Using life insurance to fund Trusts• RDSPs and anything else you'd like us to addressFor more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our websiteClick HERE to get an assessment with us.Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter HERE 

Disability & estate planning specialist Kenneth Pope partners with Kim Mcleod, Parent Advocate, Educator and Co-founder of “One More Thing” a parent group for special needs families, for a second webinar to discuss various family needs as well as provincial and federal benefits. Topics:      • Wills and Henson Trusts• ODSP and how it can affect estate planning.• ODSP benefit increases $896 - $1169• How all families with adult children with special needs can benefit from the improved caregiver tax credit • Disability Tax Credit recapturing ($16,000-$22,000)• RDSPs and how they can grow to $700,000• Lifetime Benefit Trusts for RRIFs• Guardianships vs. Power of Attorney explainedFor more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our website Click HERE to get an assessment with us. Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter HERE 

Disability & estate planning specialist Kenneth Pope partners with Kim Mcleod, Parent Advocate, Educator and Co-founder of “One More Thing” a parent group for special need's families, for 2 webinars to discuss various family needs as well as provincial and federal benefits. Topics:      • Wills and Henson Trusts• ODSP and how it can affect estate planning.• ODSP benefit increases $896 - $1169• How all families with adult children with special needs can benefit from the improved caregiver tax credit • Disability Tax Credit recapturing ($16,000-$22,000)• RDSPs and how they can grow to $700,000• Lifetime Benefit Trusts for RRIFs• Guardianships vs. Power of Attorney explainedFor more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our website Click HERE to get an assessment with us. Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter HERE 

The Bill Kelly Show Podcast: The Ontario government has announced March Break will be postponed until the week of April 12. Lecce said postponing the break — a decision based on Williams’ advice — is an important way schools can help limit community transmission. The province’s largest teachers’ union, the association representing public school boards and the Opposition New Democrats had all asked for the March break to go ahead as planned, saying families, students and teachers needed it. GUEST: Alison Thompson, Professor of Public Health Services at the University of Toronto - There’s a footnote buried on page 188 of Ontario's 2020 budget that’s doing a lot of heavy lifting for the province when it comes to explaining its spending on social services. “Expense sensitivities for Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program do not reflect the impact of COVID-19,” the footnote reads. The single sentence helps to obscure how, in the midst of the pandemic and record unemployment, Ontario appears to be spending less on social assistance than it did before the coronavirus struck the province. That’s thanks to savings from a reduced social assistance caseload, money clawed back from welfare and ODSP recipients who also received the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, and increased federal cash transfers. Those savings are not disclosed in the budget, which suggests the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services — which doles out social assistance — actually increased spending by $824 million in the 2020-21 fiscal year. GUEST: John Stapleton, Social Policy Researcher and Consultant - Aggressive vaccination and maintaining a stay-at-home order would help Ontario avoid a third wave and another lockdown, health experts advising the province said Thursday as the government prepared to ease restrictions for most regions next week. The pandemic science advisory group said public health measures, including a provincial lockdown imposed on Boxing Day and stay-at-home order issued last month, have cut COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and positivity rates across Ontario. But Dr. Adalsteinn Brown, co-chair of the group, said more contagious variants of COVID-19 are spreading and currently account for five to 10 per cent of all cases. That will likely cause cases to increase again by late February, Brown said, which is why strong public health measures like a stay-home order and vaccination of vulnerable groups are important. GUEST: Dr. Alon Vaisman, Infectious Diseases, Infection Control Physician with the University Health Network - Trump's defense team faces a heavy burden today, but loyalty to former President hangs over trial GUEST: Rob Goodman, Professor with the Dept. of Politics and Public Administration at Ryerson University See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the program, we welcome in Pindzer B, dear friend of the show and recipient of ODSP benefits. We talked to her about her life on ODSP and the barriers she faces trying to survive on the woefully inadequate service. That happens around the 33-minute mark and BIG content warning—discussions of suicide, drug use, drug overdoses, and living in poverty. Before that, we talked about some lighter stuff. Well, Ev and I did anyway. We chatted about the Windsor Police Services proposed budget increase, hamburger parties (with strippers), the ineffectual NDP, and baby shower cannons. If you're struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the Canadian Suicide Prevention Service at 833-456-4566. You can support us on Patreon, find us on social media @ThisIsFalsePod and e-mail us at ThisIsFalsePodcast@protonmail.com.

Learn About:        • Wills and Henson Trusts• Recent tax changes affecting trusts and estates and how to navigate through them• ODSP and how it can affect estate planning• How families with children with special needs can benefit from the caregiver tax credit since it changed in 2017• The Disability Tax Credit• RDSPs: how they can grow to $400,000, and how to start making withdrawals• Lifetime Benefit Trusts• Guardianships & substitute decision makingFor more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our website Click HERE to get an assessment with us. Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter HERE 

Disability & estate planning specialist Kenneth Pope partners with Service Navigator and Team lead at Autism Ontario Michelle Bascom to discuss various family needs as well as provincial and federal benefits. Learn About:        • Wills and Henson Trusts• ODSP and how it can affect estate planning.• How families with children with special needs can benefit from the caregiver tax credit now that it has changed• The Disability Tax Credit• RDSPs and how they can grow to $400,000• Lifetime Benefit Trusts• Guardianships & substitute decision making For more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our website Click HERE to get an assessment with us. Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter HERE 

In this one hour session, Ken and his team answer common (and uncommon) questions people have about:•Wills, Henson Trusts & estate planning•Dying without a will or Henson Trust•ODSP benefits, increases & updates•Legal guardianship & powers of attorney•Disability & caregiver tax credits•RDSPs and moreFor more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our website Click HERE to get an assessment with us. Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter HERE 

In this webinar replay, special guests Melissa Vigar and Laura Bellon from the Brain Injury Society of Toronto join Ken to discuss various financial assistance programs, along with their application processes and best practices for best results. Learn About:        • Ontario Works, ODSP & CPP-Disability• RDSPs • Subsidies available for low income families• Tax Credits• Applications processes & best practices for achieving favourable outcomesFor more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our website www.kpopelaw.comGet an assessment with us:https://kpopelaw.com/ken-pope-disability-estate-planning-family-evaluation-form/Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter HERE.

In a tale of love and marriage, The Blindnamic Duo are sharing how they make things work on this week's podisode!   After a slight delay, Marc and Jan are back to discuss what it's like to be married while relying on social assistance. How does being on ODSP put a strain on those in a benefit unit? What financial hardships did it cause for the two? How do they work through these issues? What actually makes The Blind Avenger and Guiding Goddess luckier than other married couples?   It's only a fraction of what's covered in the 70 minute podisode so tune in for the rest!   Don't be a dingleberry: Make your earholes happy by subscribing for free and listening to our latest podisodes as soon as they're released. You can also search for Blind Luminations wherever great podcasts are found. What are you waiting for?   Be sure to find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well. You'll be glad you did!   (Episode art: An image depicts a stick figure of Marc wearing sunglasses on the left. He's holding his white cane, throwing a ball in the air and saying "Wee!" On the right, a stick figure of Jan says, "It's the ol' ball and cane." A heart with "Marc + Jan" written in bigger letters inside is above the scene. The sketch was drawn by Marc Rocheleau, who is completely blind.)

In this episode, Ken Pope chats with Cameron Wells, host and producer of Windsor CJAM 99.1FM's Handi-Link radio show about CERB, how it affects ODSP and what people need to know when planning for their tax returns. Ken also points out how you can get your taxes filed for free.For more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our website www.kpopelaw.comGet an assessment with us:https://kpopelaw.com/ken-pope-disability-estate-planning-family-evaluation-form/Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter HERE.

In this 2020 edition of Housing and Transitions, we're joined by 3 special guests who are part of different housing initiatives. Phyllis Spencer, a mother with an entrepreneurial mind who is creating a private group home to help secure her daughter's future. She'll be discussing how she came up with the idea as well as the difficulty around parting ways and transitioning your child into more independence. Dan Hughes from the Enhanced Day Program and supported living initiative Axess Condos, was back again to talk about his progress. Christina Zhang from Plant-a-Home also joined us to talk about her housing initiative.Learn about: • Different housing options for special needs and disabilities• Henson Trust funded housing options• Transitioning your loved one into supported independent living• Technology to help make supported independent living easier• Preserving ODSP and other benefitsFor more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our website www.kpopelaw.comGet an assessment with us:https://kpopelaw.com/ken-pope-disability-estate-planning-family-evaluation-form/Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter HERE.

In this overview episode Ken Pope explains Ontario Disability Support Program benefit increases and why they are substantial.  For more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our website Click HERE to get an assessment with us. Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter HERE 

In this overview episode Ken Pope explains what happens when you turn 65 and are on ODSP benefits.For more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our website Click HERE to get an assessment with us. Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter HERE 

In this webinar replay Ken Pope and Crystal Terris discuss how to obtain maximum ODSP benefits, utilize tax credits available and everything in between.Learn about:• How to maximize your ODSP benefits and the common issues people face• How to obtain the DTC credit and the common barriers encountered• Using the Caregiver credit and how the criteria has changed• RDSPsFor more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our website Click HERE to get an assessment with us. Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter HERE 

In this episode, Ken Pope discusses various resources available in Ontario for people with special needs and disabilities, such as Passport, Special Services at home, RDSPs, ODSP, tax credits and more.Original air date: February 24, 2020For more information, contact us at 1-866-536-7673 or visit our website www.kpopelaw.comGet an assessment with us:https://kpopelaw.com/ken-pope-disability-estate-planning-family-evaluation-form/Don't miss out on important updates and webinar invitations. Sign up for our newsletter HERE.

This episode features Cam Wells, host of the radio show "Handi-Link", a show that covers disability stories. The show is usually recorded at CJAM-FM in Windsor ON, and Cam has recently returned to the airwaves, after having set up a home recording studio. We talk about some of the newest interviews he's been hosting, and about the unique experiences of disabled folks in the times of a Global Pandemic. We talk about the people who access and depend on ODSP for support - in many cases, quarantining has added additional expenses for folks on ODSP. Plus, a lot of folks on ODSP work part-time jobs to help subsidize their living expenses, and by extension are amongst the thousands of people who have taken a financial hit by loss of employment during COVID. So there are added costs, and reduced income...but folks on ODSP are not eligible for CERB. ODSP pays roughly $750-$1500 a month to an individual living with a disability. CERB is currently paying $2000 a month. But in order to access the emergency relief benefit and temporarily receive a higher amount of money, a person would have to cancel their ODSP, and risk not being able to access it again. There is a lot to be inspired by, talking to Cam, and hearing stories of perseverance amongst the folks he's interviewing. But it is clear, on a federal and provincial level, that folks are being left behind and financial support still has a long way to go. Check out “Handi-Link” at http://www.cjam.ca/supercali/show_event.php?id=96This interview was originally recorded on May 14th 2020Added note post interview: new information has been found since this interview, and it sounds like (thankfully) folks on ODSP will not necessarily lose their benefits by applying for CERB, but that there will be a correction/adjustment when CERB stops being given out. This is how it was explained to me by Cam: “According to Ken Pope an ODSP expert attorney, what happens is those on ODSP are obliged to apply for CERB - which is a greater amount than ODSP - which ill produce a long term offset once ODSP is back to normal as calculations will indicate there was an overpayment in the form of CERB. There is a lot of misinformation out there but it appears as though it won't cause long term loss, just a shift in amounts” Get on the email list at bridgingthesocialdistance.substack.com

In episode #353 of Talking Radical Radio, Scott Neigh interviews Kyle Vose and Andrea Hatala. They are the co-chairs of the ODSP Action Coalition, a group that brings together social services agencies and recipients of disability benefits in Ontario. They talk about ODSP, the challenges faced by recipients, and the actions taken by the coalition over the years to fight for improvements in the system aimed at enabling disabled people in Ontario to live with greater dignity. For a more detailed description of this episode, go here: https://talkingradical.ca/2020/05/12/radio-taking-action-to-improve-disability-benefits-in-ontario/

Disability Law Show – Sunday, May 10th, 2020 with John Scholes and Sivan Tumarkin

MPP Lisa Gretzky discusses issues of income assistance for people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and describes the NDP's current petition to protect income from the Ontario Disability Support Program. This is the April 22, 2020 episode.

Where does your income come if you're faced with a disability? In this episode we explore long-term options including Canada Pension Plan - Disability (CCP-D), provincial disability plans, ODSP, and Long-term disability insurance.   Simple Money Podcast - Canada's Own Personal Finance Podcast info@ffcoach.ca Twitter: F_FCOACH

In part two of our interview with poverty lawyer, Shalini Konanur, we discuss the discuss the proposed eligibility changes to the Ontario Disability Support Program

On this episode, we’re taking a thoughtful look at the legal issues facing low-income persons, featuring Shalini Konanur, the Executive Director the South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALCO)! Topics: addressing systemic racism/poverty in criminal sentencing; ODSP eligibility changes; and employment law protections for low-income persons.

Ed Keenan guest hosts one more day as Alan recovers from the Raptors loss in Milwaukee... Ed is joined by Global National Washington Bureau Producer Reggie Cecchini to talk about Conrad Black's pardon, Global investigative reporter Sam Cooper on the BC money laundering case involving Kwok Chung Tam, Realize Executive Director Tammy Yates to discuss effects of ODSP cuts, CodeEye solutions VP James Smith about the Whats APP breaches. Then Ed wraps it up with Globals Meghan Collie to talk the best patios in the city while we soak up an hour of sunshine!

ACORN is holding a rally across the province this afternoon to protest the Ontariogovernment's attempt to cut OW and ODSP and the cancellation of the basic income pilot. What are they hoping to achieve? Guest: Mike Wood, ACORN

My guest this week is Brendon D. Pooran. Brendon is the founding lawyer at PooranLaw Professional Corporation.  He is involved in all areas of the firm’s practice and regularly provides advice to individuals, families, organizations and government in the areas of: disability & human rights law; wills & estates planning; employment law, government benefits and human rights for people with disabilities; and corporate law for not-for-profit and charitable organizations.  In addition to being a lawyer, Brendon teaches Critical Disability Law at York University, is the Past-President of Community Living York South and is a founding director of PLAN Toronto.  He is also a lawyer member on the Ontario Consent and Capacity Board. PooranLaw was founded as a resource for individuals with disabilities, their families and the community organizations that support them. PooranLaw practice members are dedicated to working with individuals with disabilities and their families to ensure their social inclusion, self-actualization and long-term security. They specialize in maximizing access to financial supports such as the Ontario Disability Program (ODSP), Passport and other forms of Individualized Funding, the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and various benefits through the income tax system.  They also facilitate innovative housing solutions and work with families to establish trusts and estate plans that ensure continued financial stability. PooranLaw firm members have received international recognition as authorities on disability issues and have spoken at hundreds of conferences and seminars on various matters relevant to the community.

On today’s show we discuss the different forms of income that can be garnisheed (or not).  Here are the types of income, with the time stamp if you want to fast forward to that section: Wages – 3:21 Ontario Works – 8:31 Disability Pension – 9:58 ODSP – 10:00 Retirement Pensions – CPP – 12:36 OAS – 13:35 Basic Income – 19:19 Full links to all legislation mentioned in the show are on our website at https://www.hoyes.com/blog/wage-garnishments-what-income-can-be-garnisheed/

In this podcast, we discuss the most common question Brendon is asked by families, which is: 'How do I secure the future for my loved one with a disability?'  This week’s guest on the Empowering Ability podcast / blog is Brendon Pooran, Principal lawyer at Pooran Law in Toronto, Ontario. Brendon always had an interest in disability law, which stems from his life experience as he grew up with siblings that have a disability. Brendon and his team provide advice to families and agencies in the disability sector in Ontario, British Columbia and Newfoundland. On the podcast, we also discuss consent and capacity. What is consent and capacity? And, what do we need to know about it. You can take a listen to the podcast to hear more on consent and capacity.   Securing the Future Estate planning is the process that Brendon guides families through to create a plan for security for loved ones with a disability. We discuss both financial and relationship considerations when creating an estate plan.  A major objective is to ensure that government benefits aren’t impacted by an estate.   Starting the Estate Planning Process Paraphrasing from the podcast Brendon shares the questions he works through with families: 1) What are your objectives? If you have a loved one with a disability, what does their life look like now? What does it look like in the future? 2) What are the expenses and sources of income? What do they look like now, and what will they look like in the future? 3) Who are the people involved? There are several roles that you need to consider in your estate plan, including; an executor for estate, trustees for any trust that are set up, attorneys in power of attorney documents, and guardians that may need to be considered. *Note: The people you assign to these roles should be trustworthy (they will have access to your estate with very little oversight), conscientious and task oriented with the ability to meet deadlines, and it is a nice to have if they have a relationship with your beneficiaries.   The Will The will is the foundational pillar of the estate plan. It will incorporate tax strategies, roles, trusts and strategies that are developed for financial security for beneficiaries of the will. Many people do not have wills, and do not understand the impacts of not having a will in place. 40% of Brendon's clients are people applying to become the estate trustee because a will was not in place. There is a cost associated with this application, as well as taxes that need to be paid that could have been avoided. Also, beneficiaries can lose social assistance benefits (ex. ODSP $1200/mo – dental, drugs, vision), if an inheritance increases the beneficiary’s asset base to exceed $40,000 (in Ontario). The cost to create a will and estate plan ranges based on where you live and your situation, but typically it will cost you approximately $2,500 to set up your will.    Trusts There are several different types of trusts, and Brendon provides us with an overview of the Trusts he frequently recommends in his practice: 1) Henson Trust: The Henson Trust is a discretionary trust, which means the trustee has full authority to make decisions on the trust. This trust is not considered an asset by the Ontario Government for social assistance program purposes, and will not impact ODSP. There is also no limit to the amount of money that the trust can hold. You will also want to make sure that it qualifies as a disability trust, which helps to reduce the taxes that might be generated by the trust.   2) Lifetime Benefit Trust: This trust is typically recommended for people that have RRSPs or RRIFs in place so that these benefits can be rolled over to the beneficiary without any tax implications. A life time trust can also be used to hold assets, such as a home or property.   3) Inheritance Trust: With this trust, you can leave instructions for the trustee to disperse the trust funds as you wish. This trust is limited to $100,000, and Brendon doesn’t see this trust being used as frequently as the other two above.    Trusts are mostly written instructions left in the will, and are created when the will is executed, these are called testamentary trusts. Some families create living trusts that become active right away, called inter vivos trusts. These living trusts can be used to hold property for the beneficiaries, and the living trust can be referenced in other family member's wills so that several different trusts don’t have to be created and managed.   On the podcast, Brendon shares the story of a family that increased their estate value by over $200,000 through tax planning and trust strategies. Brendon and I also discuss power of attorney, if a person with a disability should have a will, ODSP, RRSPs, and life insurance policies on the podcast. Take a listen if you are interested in these topics! I strongly recommend that you consult with a professional lawyer, tax accountant, and financial planner when creating your estate plan. I thank Brendon for coming on the podcast and sharing his important insights on securing the future for our loved ones!    Love & Respect, Eric       Resources: Website: Pooranlaw.com Inspiring possibilities estate planning guide:  www.planinspiringpossibilities.com Partners for planning resources: Click Here   If you received value from this content please leave me a review on iTunes. By leaving a 5 star review on iTunes you make the Empowering Ability Podcast more discoverable, and more families will benefit. Click Here To Leave a Review on iTunes   The Empowering Ability Podcast is available on iTunes and various other apps so that you can listen while on the go from your smartphone!   Click Here To Listen on iTunes

Angela Browne is born and educated in Ontario with post-secondary studies in business, sociology and law.Her professional experience includes teaching and course coordination at Brock University in criminology/corrections and serving as Executive Director of a mental health advocacy agency in the 90’s,  She went on to a variety of policy and project-based contracts for various provincial government ministries, and eventually moved into federal policy work by the late 1990’s. Angela also started her legal advocacy practice in the 1990’s and became licensed as a Paralegal in 2007,  She continues to participate in a variety of community agency programs, such as providing training for a job coaching program on labour and human rights law.Having been on the AODA Standards Development Committee for Employment, Angela clearly has a passion for employment rights and inclusive practices.  Currently operating a full-service paralegal firm focusing on administrative, employment, human rights and disability law, she can be found at LegalAdvocacy.ca