These grandparents have stepped up to the plate to ensure their grandchildren can be raised in their family home and have the security of family ties. For this extraordinary commitment, the government doles out a paltry $241 per month for the first grandchild and $196 per month for each subsequent grandchild in their care. If these grandparentshad left their grandchildren in the system, a non-related foster family would receive $900 a month per child or if in a group home, the cost would be significantly higher.

After the debacle caused by the Ministry of Community and Social Services’ Directives in 2008, the minister is back causing emotional and financial stress for these families.

After one grandmother's courageous two-year fight, the Social Benefits Tribunal issued its decision that she is entitled to temporary care assistance and that the government is wrong in its interpretation of the intent of temporary care assistance. The tribunal concluded that a large and liberal interpretation must be applied to the TCA eligibility decisions.

In response to my question ‘Will the minister finally take responsibility for her actions and reinstate temporary care assistance to all grandparents who have been wrongfully cut off’. The minister, shockingly responded “When people are not receiving these benefits there is an appeal process and I encourage people to go to the appeal process after they have spoken with those administrators in each of the municipalities.”

The minister has choices, she can let each grandparent go through a two-year tribunal process, causing these families extreme emotional and financial stress and the unnecessary waste of tax dollars or she can respect the Social Benefits Tribunal decision. Minister Meilleur can introduce regulatory changes that reflect a large and liberal interpretation, to ensure temporary care assistance is equally delivered across Ontario in accordance with its original intent and the law.

It is clear that the minister is unwilling to take action to ensure that these families receive the funding without a lengthy and costly tribunal process. I am imploring the premier to do the right thing, to follow the decision of the Social Benefits Tribunal, ensuring greater financial stability for these grandchildren and the selfless grandparents raising them.