The association says the slight increase of one per cent in social assistance rates is welcome but not substantive enough to reflect the cost of living in Ontario. Fucile says nurses are also concerned about the government's plan to replace the Special Diet Allowance with a new program. "Access to nutritious food is essential and RNAO expects this vital supplement to be transformed with great care so people with chronic health issues do not suffer during and following this change. Nurses, alongside others, must participate in shaping this new nutritional program. Together we must listen to the voices of persons living the devastating realities of poverty," Fucile adds.

Among the measures in the budget that RNAO approves:

- A review of the Public Hospitals Act to create a hospital system that taps the expertise of health-care professionals and community partners. - The government's plan to introduce legislation to make health-care providers and executives more accountable for improving patient care. - Changes to Ontario's drug system to facilitate lower prices for generic drugs, increased support for pharmacies in rural and under- serviced areas and support the expansion of clinical services provided by pharmacists.

Source: REGISTERED NURSES' ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO

Source: ONTARIO BUDGET 2010