Employees blindsided by closure of Dayspring in Bridgewater

“Not only will these valuable public services be lost but Bridgewater and its economy will be hurt by the loss of these good jobs as this government continues to cut and centralize services." — Joan Jessome, NSGEU President

Halifax (14 May 2015) — Members of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) who are employed by the Dayspring Adolescent Treatment Centre, located outside of Bridgewater, have been blindsided by the sudden closure of the facility.

Nova Scotia government closes support services for children and young people

“This is yet another cut to critical child welfare services in rural Nova Scotia,” says Joan Jessome, NSGEU President. “These are important services for some of our most vulnerable citizens — children and adolescents.”

There are 22 NSGEU/NUPGE members affected by the impending closure. 

Child protection and welfare not a priority for government

“It looks like child protection and welfare isn’t a priority for this government,” says Jessome.  “These cuts are in addition to another six child welfare positions that were eliminated in Barrington and Guysborough in January.” 

The Dayspring Adolescent Treatment Centre was opened in 1999 and was part of an initiative to enhance services for youth with mental and behavioural difficulties. 

“Not only will these valuable public services be lost but Bridgewater and its economy will be hurt by the loss of these good jobs as this government continues to cut and centralize services,” says Jessome. “The closure of this facility is bad news for everyone involved but especially forthose living in the Bridgewater area.”

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE