Response to “Jones wins commitment to have RDSP protected”, printed Wednesday, March 11, 2010

I am writing to correct information that was included in your March 11, 2010 article regarding Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs) and their treatment under the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

The article states that the government adopted Sylvia Jones’ (MPP for Dufferin-Caledon) private member’s bill in December 2008 to prevent the claw back of ODSP payments for people who set up an RDSP.

The Ontario government did not adopt the private member’s bill, because we had already fully exempted RDSP assets, contributions and withdrawals for ODSP and Ontario Works recipients prior to the introduction of RDSPs in December 2008.

I want your readers to know that the Ontario government strongly supports RDSPs as way to help families save for children and adults with disabilities, and to help people with disabilities plan for their future needs.

In addition, ODSP staff across the province are aware of the social assistance rules that apply to RDSPs. We also maintain regular contact with our municipal partners so they always have the information they need to encourage families to take advantage of this federal program.

For more information on RDSPs, please visit my ministry’s website at www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/pr ograms/social/what/rdsp.aspx

Madeleine Meilleur Minister of Community and

Social Services