What's the solution?

Public has to speak up!

The truth is that unless the general public speaks about these cuts (and I mean not just those affected by them directly), the government will feel it's OK and their right to cut without impunity. Let's face it - the cuts to service are to a group of people who are voiceless - they are the forgotten for our society. It won't matter nearly as much if just the people who work directly with them speak up (though this is necessary of course too) - unless every Albertan able bodied or not - steps up to this, nothing will happen and the most vulnerable Albertans will pay (as usual).

Government Cutbacks

I think that it is disgusting what the Alberta Government is doing, rather than targeting the most vulnerable population of our province, perhaps they should look at cutting back on the HANDOUTS they give to the Bureaucrats and oil companies, etc.

willing to help

Hi, I myself was a parent of a special needs child until 2005. It was our biggest battle of all to watch him loose his fight with Leukemia. I know the realities of fighting for support staff hours both at home and in the school systems. It can become a full time job just to coordinate the medical visits and the various consultations with various professional disciplines. The shortage is not solely in the home supports it's also in the front lines staffing. The money helps but the postitions help more.

Money only part of the problem

I think people are focused on the wrong and nothing will be resolved till we correct the major issues first. Management and administration are taking the biggest bite out of the pie. Look at the administration and the management team of these organizations. Most of the money is being spent here and NOT making it to the front line.

Send a message to the Prime Minister

Funding has been eroded over the past decade. Tell the PM and your local MP that social services are in crisis and we need that money replaced to take care of our most vulnerable. http://petition.web.net/nupge/node/11

What is the solution????

The solution is that we need more money to hire quailified staff to work with people with disabilities!!! That is what it boils down to. I love my job and the people that i work with. I have cancelled my hoildays to stay at work as there is no staff to cover off my shifts. Clients in services are suffering because there is not enough staff, is that a quality of life you would choose?? I think NOT!!!! People in services can not get out into the community to socialize, nor are they recieving the proper care in their homes. People with disabilities are suffering and we need to hire more qualified staff.

RENT CONTROL

The gov. has alloted a fund called the HEPF fund where a person who receives an eviction notice for not being able to pay his/her rent they can then apply to EII for assistance. This is not the solution. Rent control should be put in place. The way the Gov. regulation is now all it states is that the landlords can only raise the rents once a year. That is no good without a capping. Once a year greedy landlords, or scumlords could double the rent. We have enough employed street people now and why because they cannot afford a place to stay. I really feel for the generation coming up, is this truly the richest Province in Canada or is this the beginning of a Province for the Rich and to hell with the poor. Even Gov. employees are hurting. The cost of living is constantly going up and the price to go to work is rising however the wages don't reflect this. We need less action on smoking and more on homelessness. Afterall where are they going to get their money when there are no more cigarette taxes? Why do you think the government won't get rid of gambling? Profits???? This is not right, however my biggest complaint is that Albertans are lay-backs, and continue to take this stuff. What is it going to take for some of you to wake up and see how this is affecting your livelyhood and that of your children?

Workers must get paid top dollar!

Bravo to the Alberta Government for the extra money but the TRAINED WORKERS should be paid top dollars!!! I got so frustrated with some of the workers the agency hired to work with my son when he was living in a group home. I am thankful now that the agency terminated our contract. I know that my son is being cared for properly now as I have hired a trained worker who is excellent!!!

Calgary Rally: Double Double My Wages

$26 million is not enough! I admire the courage of the 400 people that took to the streets of Calgary following the announcement of the $26 million. We need long term solutions. Community workers deserve better treatment....a little one-time money is not enough!

Sector workers are under-valued

My daughter directed me to this website and it saddens my heart to realize how under-valued a very special segment of our society is treated. I have worked with people affected by disabilities and loved the work. I knew it didn't pay well so I encouraged my children to pursue a career that paid better. My daughter has such a passion for the field, though, that it would be a shame to discourage her because of money.

We definitely have our priorities wrong when we don't value human beings as we should. It is hard to see my daughter go into a field that treats staff and those they serve so poorly. Let's turn this around. Let's not give up the fight for job parity. I hope Alberta can become a province that recognizes the need to treat those affected by disabilities with respect and compassion.