According to those who work with people with developmental disabilities, more provincial funding is needed.
OPSEU Local 740 President Erin Rice led a rally outside MPP Michael Gravelle’s office Friday, arguing they also need more full-time workers, noting 75% of the workers she represents are part-time.
She says many people don’t want to continue working part-time, leaving clients without enough staff to support them.
“If you wanted to go for a cup of coffee, and you’re living in your house with your three roommates, you can’t go out for your cup of coffee if there’s only one staff, if there’s only one staff [member] to take you out.”
She says there’s been no base funding increases for services for people with FASD, Autism, and other disabilities since 2009.
#Tbay OPSEU spokesperson @erincaterice at @MichaelGravelle office Friday, calls for better services for people w/developmental disabilities pic.twitter.com/mgVDVHgmEf
— @country105news (@Country105News) April 7, 2018
Rice says that ideally, they’d like to see an overhaul of the system, and are asking Community and Social Services Minister Michael Coteau to come to the bargaining table with her union and others to draw up a new contract.
She adds they want part-time jobs converted to full-time, along with shorter wait times for clients and families.
MPP Michael Gravelle met with the group, and says he’ll take their concerns to Queen’s Park.
Speaking with protesters outside his Algoma Street constituency office, he noted that he understands their complaints.
“I feel very close to the organization,” Gravelle tells us, “I have a family member who’s being cared for by Community Living Thunder Bay, so I’ve got a pretty good insight into the challenges they have.”
He also points to the money the Liberals have already promised for these services, an estimated $1.8 billion over the next three years.
Gravelle promises he’ll take these concerns to Queen’s Park. (Staff Photo/Video)