As Sudbury City Council discusses the future ownership of Pioneer Manor at City Hall on December 14, workers, concerned resident families and supporters will hold ‘Keep Pioneer Manor Public’ rallies outside the Manor.
“The residents of Pioneer Manor deserve to be respected and cared for by this community and their elected officials,” said Julie Bisaillon, president of CUPE 148. “Instead, right before Christmas, this City Council is trying to shift the burden of running Pioneer Manor by starting the process to sell off their home to the highest bidder. Is this how the Sudbury community wants to treat their seniors? We think not!”
Who: Pioneer Manor staff and residents’ families
What: ‘Keep Pioneer Manor Public’ rallies
When: Wednesday, December 14, 11:30 a.m. at Pioneer Manor and 4:30 p.m. at Sudbury City Hall, Tom Davies Square
Pioneer Manor is one of the largest long-term care homes in the province, serving 433 residents, and one of the lowest-cost, municipally-run long-term care (LTC) facilities in Ontario. The home provides 24-hour nursing care service with a new 64-bed wing, which opened last year for residents suffering from dementia.
“The residents of Pioneer Manor helped build Sudbury,” said Bisaillon. “They’ve been hospital workers, school teachers, Inco and Falconbridge miners, municipal workers and home makers, all working and contributing to building a caring and loving community. Now that they’re in their golden years, our local politicians are trying to throw their home to the market forces – all to generate one-time revenue to balance the books. What kind of message does this send to our community and specifically to our children, who are the future councillors and leaders of our city?”
“It is time for our citizens to show our elected municipal leaders how to show respect for their elders,” continued Bisaillon. “We’re asking the people of Sudbury to show that we care about our elders and their future, that senior citizens are not a burden, and they are the pride and joy of our community. Without them, we would have no roots.”
“We’re urging City Council to show respect for all senior citizens by keeping Pioneer Manor public. Our senior citizens’ home is not for sale,” said Bisaillon.
For further information, please contact:
Julie Bisaillon
CUPE 148 President
705-923-1302
Mike Brady
CUPE National Representative
705-626-2203
James Chai
CUPE Communications
416-292-3999