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On November 6 communities across Canada will be taking time to appreciate the valuable work that Community Social Service Workers perform across the country.
Ottawa (01 Nov. 2012) - As the fifth annual Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day approaches all Canadians are encouraged to take the time to appreciate the contribution these workers make in the lives of millions of Canadians.
"On November 6, I would like each of us to think about all the people we know who benefit from the support of these workers," said James Clancy, National President of the 340,000 member National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).
"I am sure we all know someone who has needed the support of community social services. Whether it is the family with a developmentally disabled member, child with behavioural problems, person receiving addiction counselling, homeless individual, or the woman who is escaping an abusive relationship these women and men make an incredible difference in the quality of life for so many."
Community Social Service Workers Appreciation Day was launched in April 2007 at a conference of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). The decision to move to an annual national appreciation day was made at NUPGE's 2010 Convention.
To date Manitoba, Saskatchewan and 86 communities across Canada including seven provincial capitals and the nations capital, have passed provincial proclamations recognizing Community Social Services Appreciation Day.
Unfortunately, while the public has become more aware of the importance of community social services and the dedicated workers governments continue to cut services to the most vulnerable Canadians.
Community social service workers are essential to healthy communities and the quality of life of millions of people. Yet these workers are often forgotten about and left as vulnerable as the people they support, said James Clancy, NUPGE National President.
This sector includes workers in group homes and supported living programs. It includes those that work with disabled adults, youth and children. These workers are people that support families, people that help those with addictions and those on the streets.
The National Union asks that all Canadians thank community social service workers across Canada, by visiting the Community Social Services Appreciation Day Facebook page.
More information:
Community Social Service worker website
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