Verdict and recommendations of the coroner’s jury into the death of Kimberly Ann Rogers (Motion #14-03)

Moved by Gasparini – Pilon. 

WHEREAS the Sudbury and District Medical Officer of Health provided testimony at the Kimberly Ann Rogers Inquest regarding the impact of poverty and social exclusion on health and regarding the inadequacy of social assistance support levels for basic pre-requisites for health; and

WHEREAS the Sudbury & District Board of Health in its motion, 53-02, has advocated for adequate social assistance funding and for an elimination of the permanent ban on receiving social assistance for those convicted of social assistance fraud; and

WHEREAS the verdict of the Coroner’s Jury dated December 19, 2002 acknowledged:

• That Zero Tolerance lifetime ineligibility for social assistance would have a devastating and detrimental effect on our society. To prevent anyone of having to go without food and/or shelter, to be deemed homeless and therefore and most importantly, prevent the death of impoverished individuals.
• That suspension of benefits is detrimental to the client and the community.
• That social assistance rates (must be) adequate and adjusted annually if necessary.
• That there should be a full appreciation of the person’s life circumstances and the impact of the consequences of a fraud conviction.
• That the Ministry of Community, Family and Children’s Services and the Ontario Works Program should assess the adequacy of all social assistance rates.  Allowances for housing and basic needs, should be based on actual costs within a particular community or region.  In developing the allowance, data about the nutritional food basket prepared annually by local health units, and the average rent data prepared by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation should be considered.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Sudbury & District Board of Health strongly advocate to the Minister of Community, Family and Children’s Services that the provincial government rapidly proceed with the implementation of recommendations 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 & 8 consistent with the direction of the Coroner’s Jury;

AND FURTHER THAT the Sudbury & District Board of Health directs the Medical Officer of Health to share the “Verdict of Coroner’s Jury into the Death of Kimberly Ann Rogers” with all Ontario Boards of Health;

AND FURTHER THAT the Sudbury & District Board of Health directs the Medical Officer of Health to share this motion with all Ontario Boards of Health with a request for their support.

This item was last modified on July 10, 2018