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WINNIPEG – Members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) who work at the Pelican Lake Centre in Ninette will take their concerns about closing the Centre for mentally disabled adults to Manitobas Legislature Friday morning.

“Our members feel there is a role for the Pelican Lake Centre to fulfill within the treatment model being proposed for these residents,” said Robert Nault, President of CUPE Local 1684 which represents workers at the facility. “Some residents have tried community group home settings before and it just hasnt worked.”

Family members and workers are concerned because many of the Centres 69 residents have been at the facility for years, some since it opened in 1973, and will find it difficult to adapt to change.

Family Services Minister Tim Sale has announced the Centre, which has about 100 employees, will be closed by the end of the year. He says research shows the residents can benefit more from living in the community.

CUPE Manitoba President Paul Moist says workers concerns about the Centres closing need to be heard.

“Many of our members have worked with these residents for years,” said Moist. “Theyve become part of their extended families and want to have their say regarding the governments decision.”

The Pelican Lake protest by CUPE members will take place on the steps of Manitobas Legislature tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 p.m.

For more information, please contact:

Robert Nault, President

CUPE Local 1684

Ph. 537-2439