MPA Major Research Papers
Date of Award
7-15-2024
Degree Type
Major Research Paper
Degree Name
Master of Public Administration
Program
Political Science
Geographical Areas
Ontario, Hamilton
Abstract
This essay will explore the challenge of means testing on rent‐geared‐to‐income (RGI) housing in Hamilton, Ontario. I chose this topic because municipalities like Hamilton struggle with housing and family shelter crises and significantly increase social service budgets. In this essay, I will explain areas where means testing may be causing undue administrative burden on those accessing municipal social services and use a policy feedback frame to explore why changes to this system may be lacking. My qualitative methodology will examine federal, provincial and municipal public policies. My methods of analysis will also look at program discourses and narratives. This essay will interest people who administer and receive RGI-based means-tested social service branches operating in the City of Hamilton, including social housing providers. It could also apply to the 47 housing service systems across Ontario's 444 municipalities that work to administer around 186,000 units of rent‐geared‐to‐income housing (Office of the Auditor General of Ontario, 2018). The limitations of this essay are the need for more specific research related to Canada and the lack of time and space to compare policies from others. The major challenge will be the scope, and this essay will list recommendations and areas for further research or investigation.
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Matt, "Means Testing and Access To Rent-Geared-To-Income Housing in Hamilton, Ontario" (2024). MPA Major Research Papers. 258.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/lgp-mrps/258