OTTAWA, Ont. – The draft budget presented by the City of Ottawa will hurt everyone’s quality of life, first and foremost families trying to keep their kids healthy and safe, says the president of Ottawa’s municipal workers.
Brian Madden, president of local 503 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), is worried that families, especially low-income ones, will deeply feel the effects of service cuts being considered by City Council.
“We agree with Councillor Alex Cullen and others who have the courage to publicly oppose this irresponsible budget,” says Madden. “We know that a lot of kids are waiting for a place in day care right now, so cutting 700 spaces will be a disaster for Ottawa’s families who need this service.”
”If Mayor O’Brien feels this is a responsible budget, I think he is way out of touch with the people needs,” Madden says.
Many services Ottawa residents rely on daily might be hurt by the City’s new budget, including parks and recreation and public health services.
“By stopping grants to 236 outdoor rinks, the City is basically saying that they do not really care about the health of its population,” Madden says. “And, with the recent problems we have encountered in food safety, cuts in the public health sector are simply irresponsible.”
Madden encourages citizens of Ottawa to attend the public consultations on the proposed budget taking place until November 25th.
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For information:
Brian Madden, President, CUPE Local 503: 613-230-2456
Luc Tittley, CUPE Communications: 416-910-2389