FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2006
Government plan to
sell three regional centres scares
families of disabled children
TORONTO: The Liberal
government’s intention to sell three regional centres for
people with developmental disabilities is an attempt to scare
residents and their guardians, the Ontario Public Service
Employees Union says.
On Aug. 30, 2006 the government
told staff and family members that the lands and buildings
would be ‘surplused,’ or prepared for possible sale, re-use or
redevelopment.
“This is a shoddy attempt by
the McGuinty Liberals to frighten vulnerable people and their
guardians into moving,” said OPSEU President Leah Casselman.
“It’s unnecessary and provocative.”
Earlier this year, the Superior
Court ruled that the 1,000 residents at the three remaining
regional centres - Rideau Regional Centre in Smiths Falls,
Huronia Regional Centre in Orillia and Southwestern Regional
Centre in Blenheim – could not be moved from those facilities
without consent of residents’ families or legal guardians. All
three facilities are set to close.
“Despite losing the court case,
this government is still moving on this. Evidently, the
McGuinty Liberals care more about the real estate value of
these three properties than the well-being of the residents
and their families.”
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Further information:
Sarah Jordison, (416)
453-8049
