Press Release: Safehaven Acknowledges the Government of Ontario’s Fall 2020 Budget supporting Persons with Disabilities through COVID-19
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Toronto – November 5, 2020) – Safehaven is encouraged by the Government of Ontario’s Fall 2020 Budget which includes the allocation of funds for the Ontario Community Support Program, the Community Grant Program, and the Special Services at Home Program. This budget has the ability to strengthen research and resources dedicated to the protection, support and empowerment of vulnerable communities, such as those with medically complex care needs.
This announcement comes when persons with disabilities and their care structures – like Safehaven, their families, our front line workers, etcetera – are working tirelessly to combat the everyday barriers that challenge all of us, and the additional barriers our vulnerable populations routinely face, all while navigating the COVID-19 global pandemic.
“We continue to shape Safehaven into a place where vulnerable children and adults can find safety, belonging and independence regardless of their varying abilities. The most efficient way to improve programming, identify and address sectoral gaps, and increase our client’s quality of life is through research and development,” said Susan Bisaillon, CEO of Safehaven. “By allotting thirty million dollars to group homes to further their infection prevention and control practices the government continues their fight to protect the vulnerable in congregate settings. By allotting seventy million dollars over three years for special services at home the government is supporting individuals and their families as they adapt and ensure those with disabilities are not left behind. This budget takes another step to actualizing their commitment to persons with disabilities and those most vulnerable as well as the culture and attitudes that characterize them across Ontario.”
While this allocation of funding is an excellent start, we encourage the Government of Ontario to continue demonstrating their commitment to supporting individuals and their surrounding care structures. There is great opportunity to address the void of resources and communication from the healthcare sector to our communities as well as increasing ODSP funds to our clients as they navigate economic uncertainty. Moving forward, we are hopeful that the government considers and supports our populations ability to live and contribute to our economy.
Safehaven is thankful to Minister Todd Smith and MPP Christine Hogarth for their diligence and advocacy in ensuring representation of our vulnerable community within the Fall 2020 Budget. In saying that, we acknowledge that the governments’ work is far from over: they are equally as accountable for the implementation and outcomes of the aforementioned programs and initiatives. Safehaven looks forward to continuing to work internally, with our government and with community partners to increase innovation and accountability as we collectively strive to overcome COVID-19 and center persons with disabilities.
We are changemakers.
We are advocates.
We are community.
We Belong.
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For further information please contact:
Allie Cotter
Policy & Development Lead
416-455-4188
acotter@safehaven.to