The Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) promotes workplace health and safety, and provides a workers compensation system for the employers and workers of Ontario. There is extensive information on this site about prevention, forms, health issues, return to work programs, and links to other health and safety organizations.

Legal Aid Ontario is available to low income individuals and disadvantaged communities for a variety of legal problems, including criminal matters, family disputes, immigration and refugee hearings and poverty law issues such as landlord/tenant disputes, disability support and family benefits payments.

Low-income Tenants or homeowners can benefit from a free home energy conservation program that has been extended to December 31, 2007. Ontario Power Authority's low-income energy conservation pilot program is available both for low-income tenants (with landlord consent) and low-income homeowners who heat with electricity and pay electricity bills directly. For more information see the OPA's Conservation Bureau.

The Province has announced a new program called ROOF (Rental Opportunity for Ontario Families). The ROOF program is a $100 allowance per month that is paid directly to low income working families (those with children and net incomes below $20,000) to assist with either private market or social housing rent.

Starting January 2008, the Province will provide these housing allowances to eligible families for a maximum of 5 years. Families may be eligible if they:

• have employment income
• are a renter household
• have one or more dependent children under the age of 18
• pay more than 30% of income on rent
• are on, or eligible to be on the social housing waiting list
• are not receiving social assistance or other government shelter allowance.

The deadline for accessing this program is November 15, 2007. To be eligible, applicants must apply by this date.

For more information see the ROOF website. Applications must be made using original application forms provided by the Province. You can apply online or by phone at 1-888-544-5101 or at some community agencies.

Financial Assistance and Support Services - This website has information on welfare and other social services in Ontario.

• Ontario Works - This is the website for welfare in Ontario. Ontario Works provides financial and employment assistance to people in temporary financial need.
• FAQ on Ontario Works - Frequently asked questions about Ontario Works.
• Ontario Works Contacts - A list of welfare offices across Ontario.