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CORNWALL, ON – This week, developmental service workers (DSWs) across Ontario, as part of their celebrations around January 18, Developmental Service Worker Appreciation Day, have been meeting with Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) to discuss the important work they do and to inform them about challenges facing the sector.

DSWs are asking their representatives to sign a pledge to work with developmental services workers in their community, and across the province, to advocate for increased provincial funding.

Ensuring all Ontarians can live meaningful lives in inclusive communities is what developmental services workers do every day,” said Maurice Piquette, CUPE Local 2737 president, representing workers at Community Living Stormont County. “But far too often this work goes under the radar and is not recognized by government.  DSW Appreciation Day is an opportunity to reach out to community leaders and speak up together for improved provincial funding for developmental services.”

Front-line developmental services workers will be meeting with Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MPP Jim McDonell on Monday, January 23 at his constituency office to share how their work is essential in supporting people with development disabilities in living inclusive lives in the community.

With nearly 23,000 children and adults with a developmental disability languishing on waiting lists for services and supports, it is crucial that the provincial government provide more financial support for development services. In the absence of more provincial funding, more and more Ontarians will find themselves unable to access the services they need to participate fully in their communities.
  

For more information, please contact:

Maurice Piquette, CUPE Local 2737 President, 613-937-1812
Mark Greenan, CUPE Communications, 647-993-3073