ISARC
Faith Communities in Action
Against Poverty
The Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition (ISARC) is a non-partisan provincial network of faith groups working together for greater social justice and to eliminate poverty in Ontario through education, advocacy and work with low-income people. ISARC was born out of the hope that faith groups working together can contribute to new public policies based upon greater justice and dignity for Ontarians marginalized by poverty. We work with faith communities, other social justice partners and with government and politicians from all parties.
Raise The rates interfaith fast
November 14 - 18 2022
We invite you to join us for an intentional time of prayer and fasting between Monday, November 14 and Friday, November 18. Justice, equity, and compassion are at the heart of many faiths, and it’s important for us as an interfaith community to support our most vulnerable neighbours who are surviving on inadequate social assistance supports.
There are several ways to participate. Click here to read the complete guidelines for participation
Annual Religious Leaders Forum
November 23 2022, 9:30am - 12:30pm
We invite you to join us for this live interactive online event, where we will explore the ways in which faith communities can advocate for social assistance supports in Ontario. Join us for a presentation from keynote speaker Devorah Kobluk – Senior Policy Analyst for ISAC (Income Security Advocacy Centre). Hear from participants of our Raise the Rates Interfaith Fast, and add your voice to this meaningful conversation.
our Values
Human Dignity
The right of all people and their communities to be treated with justice, love, compassion, and respect, and their responsibility to treat others likewise.
Social Equity
The right of all people to adequate access to basic resources, to full participation in the life and decision-making of their communities.
Mutual Responsibility
The obligation of communities to care and share with their people, ensuring that basic needs are met.
Fiscal Fairness
The right of all people, communities, and institutions to fair fiscal treatment and the responsibility of all to contribute fairly for the well-being of all.
Ecological Sustainability
The obligation of communities to practice responsible stewardship of the earth and its environment, so that creation might be preserved for generations to come.
Economic Equity
The right of all people and communities to adequate access to the resources necessary for full lives, including access to worthwhile work, fair employment considerations, and our communal responsibilities to use such resources responsibly.
Latest news
RAISE THE RATES Interfaith Fast 2022:
Join us for an intentional time of prayer and fasting between Monday, November 14 and Friday, November 18 in support of our most vulnerable neighbours who are surviving on inadequate social assistance supports.
ISARC Submits 2022 Ontario Pre-Buget Submission:
Read ISARC’s recommendations to the Ontario government ahead of the 2022 provincial budget.
SUMMARY REPORT: ISARC Religious Leaders Forum 2021
Read about our latest forum “Housing: The Key to Health”. Article written by long-standing ISARC Executive member, Elin Goulden.
Resources
Backgrounders Package – Ontario Election 2022
Written Submission – 2022 Ontario Pre-Budget Consultation: January 2022
Written Submission to Standing Committee on Justice Policy: Bill 218 – November 2020
Written Submission to Standing Committee on Social Policy: Bill 184 – June 2020
Written Submission – 2020 Ontario Budget Consultation: January 2020