Burlington, ON … Front line children’s aid staff, members of CUPE Local 2501 wore blue ribbons to work today, National Child Day, and handed out ribbons and message bookmarks in front of City Hall warning of the growing crisis in child protection services in Halton and across the province.
“The people we spoke to outside City Hall today were shocked to hear that because the children’s aid provincial funding shortfall is so severe, some kids could even be in danger of being abused and yet no one’s coming to protect them,” the CUPE 2501 President Vicki O’Sullivan said today.
O’Sullivan cited reports that operating funds are running dry and layoff notices have already been issued to staff at some children’s aid societies in Ontario. “That’s why we can’t wait to warn the public,” Ms. O’Sullivan said.
O’Sullivan says that both union and management staff at her children’s aid office marked National Child Day today by wearing blue ribbons at work and spreading their message of concern about child protection services facing cuts due to provincial underfunding.
On November 20, 1989 Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The convention says governments should protect children from harm and help them live and grow to their full potential.
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For information:
Vicki O’Sullivan President CUPE Local 2501 905-802-6679
Chris Watson CUPE Communications 416-553-9410