Province-wide block walks raise developmental services funding alarm

April 15, 2011 

OPSEU developmental service workers are holding information “Block Walks” outside of workplaces across Ontario from April 15 to April 22. The walks highlight the need for immediate funding to avoid long-term service cuts and increased waitlists.

Dates:

Friday, April 15 to Friday, April 22

Locations:

Community Living Stratford
Middlesex Community Living
Norfolk Association for Community Living
Central West Specialized developmental Services/Oakville
Community Living Association for South Simcoe / Elgin
Community Living Peterborough
Community Living Huronia/Midland
Ongwanada/ Kingston
Community Living Prince Edward /Picton
Cohrane Temiskaming Resource Centre/Timmins
Avenue II Community Program Services /Thunder Bay
Communtiy Living Elgin – Steven Abdey

This past year the Ministry of Labour undertook an initiative to facilitate discussions between the Ministry of Community and Social Services (COMSOC), employers and unions to stabilize and strengthen this vital sector. Unfortunately talks broke off in March due to lack of sustainable funding.

The provincial waitlist for residential supports has risen to more than 12,000. There are currently 16,000 people with a developmental disability who receive residential supports across Ontario.

 “This province must ensure that all developmentally delayed people in our communities receive the quality services they deserve,” said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. “These are particularly vulnerable people who depend on the experienced and qualified staff in the Developmental Services Sector.”

The unions and employers have some real concerns that COMSOC's current funding mandate is unrealistic in maintaining the current level of service the sector delivers.

A PDT agreement between all the parties will provide a new framework that will go a long way to ensure the sustainability of these vital services. 

OPSEU has launched a new campaign website, http://www.developmentalservices.org which features the “block walks” and also includes a letter-writing campaign. OPSEU members and their allies are sending letters demanding funding for developmental services to Ministers Dwight Duncan and Madeleine Meilleur.

There are more than 8,000 OPSEU members working in developmental services.

 

For more information:

Emily Visser, OPSEU Communications – 416-557-7936