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"Is this the new PEI? The government would do well to remember that they have a responsibility to invest in and maintain public services for all Islanders – especially the most vulnerable." - Shelly Ward, PEIUPSE President.
Charlottetown (01 May 2012) -The PEI Union of Public Sector Employees (PEIUPSE/NUPGE) is arguing that recent cuts to youth and family support workers in the Family Ties program will result in few savings for government but instead will come at a major social cost.
President Ward says “the Liberal government’s cuts are directly affecting the welfare of young people in PEI. The five youth and family support workers losing their jobs in western PEI provided in-house counseling for at-risk youth. These youths are dealing with a host of issues from alcohol and drug abuse, absenteeism in the school system, and conflict in their day-to-day relationships at home and in the community. By eliminating the supports these kids rely on, the government is turning its back on some two - hundred families in Prince County.”
President Ward says "public outcry over these cuts has been significant. When the youth themselves speak about what it means to lose these services it is our duty to listen and to do something about it."
“The Liberal government is moving the Island in a new direction – away from compassion and helping each other out – to an ‘every one for themselves mentality’. Is this the new PEI? The government would do well to remember that they have a responsibility to invest in and maintain public services for all Islanders – especially the most vulnerable. The union is asking the Minister of Community Services and Seniors, Valerie Docherty, to reconsider her decision to eliminate social workers, and youth and family support workers in Prince Edward Island.”
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