About 120 members of AUPE local and beyond gathered Wednesday in Medicine Hat for an informational picket in front of the Provincial Building to spread awareness on recent UCP cuts to disability services.--News Photo Anna Smith
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Members of the local AUPE chapter and beyond gathered outside the Provincial Building in Medicine Hat on Wednesday in order to call out recent decisions made in regards to disability services in the province.
Approximately 120 people, from AUPE Local No. 6, as well as visitors from other AUPE groups such as Calgary and Edmonton, and UNA members all rallied in an effort to spread awareness of cuts to disability advocacy groups, as well as the decision to not renew temporary workers’ contracts, said Curtis Jackson, AUPE vice-president for the South Region.
“Right now, there is a waiting list of about 12,000 people in Alberta who are waiting to have the needs assessed for themselves and their children with disabilities. And in response to this wait list, the UCP thought it a good idea to cut contemporary contract positions and make workers do more with less,” said Jackson.
This picket mirrors what was already done in Edmonton and Red Deer, and similar events that will happen in Lethbridge on Feb. 4, as well. A public engagement session will also take place to hear from people affected by the changes, said Jackson.
“What we’re saying is, Minister Nixon, it’s not too late to recognize that Albertans need these services, and it can’t be done with less boots on the ground,” said Jackson. “So we’re calling out Minister Nixon to reverse these decisions, to extend these temporary contracts and even potentially look at increasing the number of people who are providing these services.”
Jackson expressed hope that the province will recognize that “a mistake has been made,” and that it’s “never too late to do the right thing.”
