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HAMILTON, Ont. – 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 DSWs do for Ontarians with developmental disabilities.
Developmental service workers are asking their representatives to sign a pledge to work with developmental services workers in their community to advocate for increased provincial funding. Front-line DSWs will be meeting Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale MPP Ted McMeekin on Friday, January 20 at his constituency office at 11:00 a.m. to share how their work is essential in supporting people with development disabilities and their families.
“Our work is essential to helping Ontarians with developmental disabilities live fulfilling lives in inclusive communities,” said Jim Beattie, CUPE Local 3943 President. “Even though so many families rely on our hard work and dedication, the provincial government has failed to recognize this by providing stable and adequate funding for the services we provide. We are hopeful Minister McMeekin will speak up with us to protect the services Ontarians with developmental disabilities and their families need.”
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 developmental services. Otherwise, more and more Ontarians will find themselves unable to access the services they need to participate fully in their communities.
Hamilton MPPs Monique Taylor (Hamilton-Mountain) and Paul Miller (Hamilton East-Stoney Creek) have already signed the pledge to speak up for adequate funding for the development services so many Ontario families count on every day.
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For further information, please contact:
Jim Beattie, CUPE Local 3943 President, 905-928-0030
Mark Greenan, CUPE Communications, 647-993-3073
