Congratulations to NUPGE on its initiative establishing Nov. 6 as Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day and thank you to all of you who provide the services that daily enrich our lives and communities.

 

The fabric of life in Canadian cities and town would be visibly affected without you and yet your work is often invisible. There are no roads or buildings as concrete examples of your efforts. Instead, there are profound and demonstrable changes that result from your expertise and commitment. Your daily work results in stronger, healthier and more vital people, families and communities.

 

We depend on you - addictions counselors, workers in women's centers, child, youth, family service and mental health workers and those who provide care for disabled and developmentally delayed people, and the many other workers in this sector.

 

“Walk a Shift in our Shoes” brings the reality of community-based social services to light. Importantly, It is also a call to politicians to take the time to learn where public dollars to community-based social services actually go. For the past decade community social services have been starved of billions of dollars while demand for services keeps rising.

 

Today the OFL joins with NUPGE to demand the federal government restore federal funding to the 1995-96 levels of the Canada Assistance Program, to ensure accountability for how the funds are spent and to work with the provinces to develop a national human resources strategy for community social services. All levels of government – local, provincial and federal must ensure these services are well-funded.

 

Finally, we know that community social services workers are struggling to continue their delivery of high-quality and accessible care against a backdrop of shrinking resources and growing demand. On behalf of the OFL and its one million members, we thank you for your incredible efforts that enable all who depend on you to live up to their full human potential.

 

Sid Ryan,

President, Ontario Federation of Labour