News Release – Jones: Statement on Community Living Dufferin Funding Facts

(Queen’s Park) – On March 7th, MPP Jones addressed the Ontario Legislature regarding the MPP from Guelph’s statements on Community Living funding.

“A recent email from the MPP for Guelph reminded that facts matter, so allow me to share some facts,” said Jones.

“The MPP from Guelph claims that the executive director of Community Living has ‘not brought forward any issues around funding, not to the region and not to the minister.’ In a recent petition, of which I have numerous, staff and family of Community Living members state, ‘Community Living Dufferin has a significant pay equity obligation.’ They’re right,” said Jones.

“I wrote to the Minister of Community and Social Services in January 2015 regarding financial pressures for pay equity. I have met with and corresponded with executive directors, board and staff at Community Living many times on this issue, and the minister has been cc’d as well from Community Living Dufferin,” said Jones

“Finally, I met with community and social services ministry staff on behalf of Community Living Dufferin after it was suggested that they could fundraise or mortgage their building to cover their pay equity obligations. The fact is that the financial concerns for Community Living Dufferin have been raised for more than six years with me and many ministries,” said Jones.

“The MPP from Guelph also fails to mention the impact of skyrocketing hydro rates on Community Living Dufferin’s bottom line; nor was the seven-year freeze on base funding addressed. The MPP from Guelph needs to come clean and recognize the serious financial pressures Community Living Dufferin and all Community Living agencies across Ontario are experiencing instead of spreading alternative facts,” said Jones