Brantford, ON … Front line children’s aid staff, members of CUPE Local 181-2 wore blue ribbons to work today, National Child Day, and handed out ribbons and message bookmarks in front of the local Tim Horton’s and Zehr’s stores warning of the growing crisis in child protection services in Brantford and across the province.
“The people we spoke to on the street today were very receptive because no one wants to think that even one kid could be in danger of being abused and no one’s going to protect them,” Jennifer Kirby, CUPE 181-2’s Brantford spokesperson said today.
“Now that we’ve heard reports that operating funds may run dry and layoff notices have already been issued at some children’s aid societies, we couldn’t wait any longer to warn the public,” Ms. Kirby said.
Kirby says that unionized 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 being in danger 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:
Jennifer Kirby, CUPE Local 181-2 519-718-8604
Chris Watson, CUPE Communications 416-553-9410