FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2013
QUEEN’S PARK — After four months of inaction to improve life for people with developmental disabilities, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett reiterated the call to get on with the formation of a select committee to look into the issue.
“The Ontario government had all summer to get on with this. We all agree – strike a select committee,” Barrett said.
Prior to summer recess, Barrett rose in Question Period to urge the government to establish the select committee. But, four months later, nothing has changed.
Opposition Leader Tim Hudak demanded today that Ontarians with developmental disabilities and mental illness get the help they deserve.
“There were big cheers in the House when the promise was made in May to help these individuals and their families” Hudak said. “Since then there has been nothing but silence from the Liberals.”
In May, PC Health Critic MPP Christine Elliott obtained all-party support to strike a Select Committee to develop a strategy to help developmentally disabled Ontarians with housing, educational, workplace, social, recreational, and inclusionary issues.
Despite all party support, the committee has yet to be created.
“There are currently over 12,000 people in Ontario waiting for appropriate housing,” Elliott said. “Despite the government’s stated intention to provide individualized programs and services for people with developmental disabilities, these people are actually being re-institutionalized.
“Many young people are being placed in long-term care homes with no programs and services because there are no other options available.”
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For further information, MPP Toby Barrett (519) 428-0446