QUEEN'S PARK – Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker said he will hold Social Services Minister Helena Jaczek to her word that $200 million will be put directly into the frontline for developmental services so that vulnerable adults and children in Ontario can get the critical services they need.
The MPP, who is also the Conservative critic for Social Services, raised the issue during question period on Tuesday after hearing first-hand accounts about the frontline being put in disarray following staff cuts across social service agencies.
Walker noted that two thirds of the agencies have been forced to cut staff hours and half of them have cut staff and are unable to fill open positions. Meanwhile, almost half of them are experiencing an increase in the number of clients who need access to programs.
"Time and again your government announces that the children and adults with special needs are a priority, even though story after story from parents and people with special needs indicate otherwise," Walker told the Minister during today's question period. "I can tell you without any reservation whatsoever that the agencies supporting our most vulnerable citizens do not believe this money is going to the frontline... we want and need your assurance that these cuts will be reversed."
In her response, Minister Jaczek vowed that $200 million of the $810 million she's putting into developmental services would go to the frontline.
"They don't want to cut staff, hours and programs. You're forcing that decision," Walker said, adding that the waitlist situation is heartbreaking.
"It seems quite harsh that after 11 years your party has allowed 23,000 people in need to languish on waitlists. That means, in very real and practical terms, that our most vulnerable citizens are not having their needs met under your watch," said Walker.
Walker said he will keep close watch on the minister to ensure she delivers on her promise of putting $200 million over three years into the vital frontline. He added that he will also find out where the remaining $610 million will be spent.
Source - Bill Walker, MPP (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound)
