YUREK QUESTIONS MINISTER ON LACK OF PAY EQUITY FUNDING TO COMMUNITY LIVING ASSOCIATIONS

QUEEN’S PARK – This morning in the Legislative Assembly, Jeff Yurek (Elgin-Middlesex-London) questioned the Minister of Community and Social Services on the government’s decision to download the cost of pay equity to local Community Living Associations across the province.

“Minister, we know of the importance of Community Living Associations throughout Ontario. They provide support and services for people with intellectual disabilities, their families and communities across the province,” stated Yurek.  “Unfortunately, your government downloaded the costs of pay equity to the local level.  Premier’s Rae, Harris and Eves supported funding pay equity, but the Wynne Government has not.”

Community Living Associations across the province are unable to meet their pay equity obligations since this cost was downloaded by the current Liberal Government. Many agencies are being forced to make tough financial decisions, resulting in the decrease or elimination of services and support within the community.

Yurek continued, “In my riding, Community Living Elgin has announced that it plans to eliminate 17 full-time positions — 64 staff cuts in total — as well as close the drop-in centre at the Talbot Teen Centre, eliminate the day support programming at 2 Curtis Street, and shut down a group home on East Street.  These cuts are a reality due in part to a deficit caused by the unfunded pay equity in excess of $300,000. Minister, are you trying to correct your financial mismanagement by punishing the most vulnerable?”

Video Attached: https://youtu.be/_23_d_U-dRo