Episode 36: In Defense of Day Programs

We all know that this economic crisis has been unkind to community-based services, the people who use them, and the workers who hold them together.

 

The community living centres and day programs hosted through Community Living Guelph Wellington (CLGW) are one community support that has been in tension during recent months, with shifting directions coming from management. First, it was announced that day programs would be cancelled entirely, and the individual services model that the pandemic brought about would become the new normal. This could have forced many individuals, parents, and caregivers to seek out prohibitively expensive private care.

 

A strong campaign in defence of day programs was mounted, which has partly changed management's plans -- they say now that the centres and day programs will continue -- but advocates are not convinced that the battle is over.

 

On Thursday, March 18th, we were joined by three guests: Joanne Smithers, front line staff at CLGW and president of her bargaining unit; Fred Hahn, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees - Ontario; and Jennifer MacKenzie, parent to one of the day program's participants. We thought it was a fruitful and passionate discussion in defense of day programs, and autonomy for all.

 

This discussion was co-moderated by Phil Allt and Tanya Gevaert.

 

Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/breezybullhorn

Support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/BreezyBullhorn

Email us at breezybullhorn@gmail.com