Anti-poverty advocates say Ontario risks missing its poverty reduction target just one year into its plan to reduce child poverty by 25 per cent by 2013.

The 25 in 5 Poverty Reduction Network says some good steps have been taken but warns that without immediate public support the poverty rate will "explode."

In a report released ahead of the province's own update, the group said that repeating the policies enacted during the 1990s recession — especially cutting public-sector programs and services — will make it harder to move away from poverty.

It wants the province to review its rules around social assistance and to increase the Ontario Child Benefit, the minimum wage and the availability of affordable housing.

The government argues the 25 in 5 report fails to reflect how far the province has progressed toward its goal.

Premier proclaims progress

Premier Dalton McGuinty said Wednesday he's proud of the government's work, adding that poverty reduction is a complicated issue that takes time.

In its own report, the government points to investments of more than $1.2 billion by the federal and Ontario governments in social and affordable housing over two years, as well as establishment of after-school programs for more than 15,500 children and youth.

But it doesn't provide any figures to measure against its poverty reduction target. Poverty advocates warn the province will miss the target without immediate public support.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said more people are falling into poverty and the government should address basic issues rather than set up more committees and groups to review the issues.

Madeleine Meilleur, the minister of community and social services, is expected to announce a social assistance review advisory group, to be headed by Gail Nyberg of the Daily Bread Food Bank. This group is to provide recommendations by the end of 2010.