Newly-independent Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha is pushing the provincial government to increase social assistance.
Mantha rose to read out and table a petition in the Legislature on Monday, calling for an increase to Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program.
The petition - which also cited an open letter signed by over 230 organizations calling for the move, and the former federal CERB rate of $2000 per month - was then signed by Mantha, who gave his wholehearted support before passing it to the page.
It's the first major move by Mantha in the Legislature since he was removed from the NDP caucus by leader Marit Stiles at the start of this month amid a third-party investigation into alleged workplace misconduct.
Mantha first sat as an independent - in his first 2023 appearance in the chamber - on April 6th, and announced on social media this weekend that he'd rehired his three-person team of staff - two of whom have worked for Mantha for most of his twelve year tenure as MPP - he's previously vowed he's committed to "continue to serve the people of Algoma-Manitoulin".