News Release: New Labour Law Will Hurt Families Supporting Family Members with Disabilities

(Queen’s Park) – Sylvia Jones MPP, questioned the government on the impact of the changes to labour laws. Community Living Ontario which represents 99 Community Living Organizations across Ontario has said that the changes will result in a 25% reduction in the number of hours of support for families supporting a family member with disabilities. Brampton Caledon Community Living identified the annual cost to comply with the changes as $2.4 million.

“According to Community Living Ontario, there will be a 25% reduction in the number of hours of support for families with disabilities as a result of the government’s changes to labour laws,” said Jones.

Community Living Ontario says, “Ministry representatives have told our members not to expect any base budget increases, so that means the people that stand to lose the most… are people who have an intellectual or developmental disability, families, community agencies and their support workers.”

“I have spoken to many families struggling to find the services they need for their loved ones. Not one of them said that they can absorb a 25% reduction in service. Families that rely on Special Services At Home (SSAH), Passport and Direct Funding Option (DFO) know that the government’s changes will limit their ability to give their loved ones the care they deserve,” said Jones.

Brampton Caledon Community Living President Kathy Bell says “BCCL will be forced to make deep cuts to its services and labour force… this will have severe daily living consequences for extremely vulnerable people and their families.”

“In a letter sent to the Premier, Brampton Caledon Community Living identified the annual cost to comply with the changes as $2.4 million. How does the government expect families and community living agencies to fund this 25% gap?” asked Jones.