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Belleville, ON Front line children’s aid staff, members of CUPE Local 2197 wore blue ribbons to work today, National Child Day, and handed out ribbons and message bookmarks in front of local Walmart stores in Belleville and Trenton, speaking with the public and warning about the growing crisis in child protection services in Hastings County and across the province.
When we explain the real situation in children’s aid, people are pretty shocked, said Mark Zwart, spokesperson for CUPE 2197.
Zwart cited reports that operating funds are running dry and that layoff notices have already been issued to staff at some children’s aid societies in Ontario. That’s why we have to act now to warn people, Mr. Zwart said.
Zwart says staff at his 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 facing possible cuts 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.
For information:
Mark Zwart,
CUPE Local 2197
613-242-9189
Chris Watson,
CUPE Communications
416-553-9410
cope491/nz
