OMBUDSMAN VINDICATES OPSEU ON SERVICE CUTS

The government’s chief watchdog says Ontario’s public service is in a state of crisis because the government is so bent on downsizing and cost cutting. In her final report, outgoing Ontario Ombudsman Roberta Jamieson says, "it’s too few people, it’s burned out people, it’s over stressed people, it’s the line-ups, it’s the feeling of hopelessness."

"We’ve being saying the same thing for the last four years," said Leah Casselman, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. "Since the Tory government was first elected in 1995, it has cut 18,000 civil servant jobs in this province resulting in public services that are anything but efficient. Now with a new majority government we’re waiting for cuts to mental health services and the continuation of the downloading of ambulance services," Casselman said. "They won’t stop there," she said " They’re talking about privatizing all of the super jails in this province."

The Ombudsman’s report stated public servants were afraid to speak up even when they

know they can’t deliver adequate services. "Ms. Jamieson was referring to department managers, so how do you think our members feel as front line workers when they know their bosses won’t support them and stand up for what they know is right," Casselman said.

The Premier has boasted that Ontario’s public service has won worldwide recognition. Casselman says, "We know we have world class public services so why do the Tories want to destroy them? This government will close six of Ontario’s 11 psychiatric hospitals and merge four others and plans to close the Syl Apps Youth Centre. His actions speak louder than his rhetoric," Casselman said.

"The findings of the Ombudsman’s report vindicates many of the concerns that OPSEU has expressed over government cuts to public services," said Casselman. "I hope the government will heed her report more than it has our warnings," added Casselman.

To read the complete annual report, go to the Ombudsman of Ontario Web Site.

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