Change of government, increased funding only remedies for mending Ontarios crumbling social safety net, warns social justice alliance

Toronto Already fraying and crumbling, Ontarios social safety net of community-based agencies will be in complete tatters if the Conservatives win a third term in office, warns a broadly-based alliance of social justice groups and labour.

The alliance will hold a media conference on Tuesday, July 8th at 10:00 a.m. at the Queens Park Media Studio. Those participating include:

• Michael Shapcott, Research Associate at the University of Torontos Centre for Urban and Community Studies, and an expert on housing and homelessness
• Jane Mercer, Director, Toronto Better Child Care Coalition
• Brian OKeefe, Secretary-Treasurer, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)
• Kelly OSullivan, President, CUPE Local 4308, representing 150 striking workers of Torontos Central Neighbourhood House

Under the Conservatives, says the group, agencies that provide home care support, shelter and youth services, and child care, have been chronically underfunded. The result is that community-based agencies are barely able to remain viable. Many are rationing services, some like Victoria Day Care Centre Torontos oldest child care service are closed altogether. Others, like Central Neighbourhood House, are experiencing bitter labour disputes.

Unfortunately, whats happening is that home care, child care, and shelter service workers are being forced to shoulder the financial burden of provincial underfunding. To make up the funding gap, for the past eight years, community-based agencies have attempted to extract wage concessions from workers. The result is strikes and reduced services to the most vulnerable, the sick and working families, says Brian OKeefe, Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

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For more information, please contact:
Brian OKeefe, CUPE Ontario Secretary-Treasurer (416) 579-7414
Stella Yeadon, CUPE Communications (416) 578-8774