Hundreds of social service workers from across the province will be addressing key issues such as government underfunding and restructuring and their impact on providing quality social services in our communities at the annual CUPE Ontario Social Service Conference, being held in Toronto at the Colony Hotel (89 Chestnut St.) between Friday, November 17 and Sunday, November 19.
Ryan will be one of several keynote speakers at the conference. Other guest speakers include activist John Clarke (Ontario Coalition Against Poverty) and CUPE National president Judy Darcy. (Beginning at 7 p.m. Friday)
It is unfortunate, that those who work in social services in the community, who are by nature compassionate and caring, are forced to carry out the policies of this government.
It is CUPE members in the social service sector who, because of the work they do, have do the Tories dirty work for them. It is these front line workers, who are already dealing huge stresses because of underfunding, wholl have to enforce distasteful Tory policies like mandatory drug testing for social assistance recipients, says Ryan.
On Saturday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m., those attending the conference will celebrate 30 years of social activism. Billed as What a Riot the evening will feature interactive storytelling and is moderated by social activist and commentator Judy Rebick.
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For more information about the conference please contact:
Sid Ryan, President CUPE Ontario
(416) 209-0066
Stella Yeadon, CUPE Communications
(416) 578-8774
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