Program cuts for disabled Albertans delayed

The province saysa $42-millioncut to community support programs for persons with developmental disabilities (PDD) in Albertawill not be fully implemented on July 1.

Protests across Alberta,including onewith more than a thousand people at the legislature last Friday, have thrust the cuts into the spotlight.

Marie Renaud, who has led demonstrations against the cuts, says the pressure forced the government to back down.

"Clearly, they've admitted Well, yes, you knowwe might have been too hasty,'" she said.

But Human Services Minister Dave Hancock said its all been a question of communication.

"They focused on the budget, as opposed to what was really intended, which is the service-delivery options," he said."And we need to change that discussion back to the service-delivery options, and reassure people that its not about the budget, its not about achieving a certain number and its not about achieving a certain date its about achieving a certain outcome."

Parents still concerned

"Words are just words," said Kristi Hull-Busque, whohas a developmentally-delayed son."We have yet to see it put into motion or seen action from a parental perspective."

Parents and caregivers got an email from the provinceon Wednesdaythat says some programs will have until the fall to implement changes.

"I don't understand how the government didn't have a plan in place knowing that their cuts would affect those with disabilities," said Francois Hull-Busque.

But Hancock says the province has always said it will take the necessary time needed to work with families and determine the right level of service.

"And if there are changes, to work with them on those changes," he said."They will have the opportunity to participate in that decision, and, if we dont come to an agreement, they will have an opportunity to use the appeal process and the administrative processes to get to the right place."

Renaud, the executive directorof theLo-Se-Ca Foundation in St. Albert, says she hopes theprovince will also considera policy change.

"Don't wait until the dust settles and then go back to square one," she said, adding she hopesdelaying some program cuts isnotjust apublic relationsmove.

Contract extensions

Buta spokesman forAlberta's Human Services minister tells CBC News the province is still going forward with changes to its programs, but is allowing some service providers more time to prepare.

Brenda Lee Doyle, assistant deputy minister for the province'sdisability services division, said in amessage posted on the Alberta Association for Community Living websitetoday that some individuals, families and service providers have voiced concerns about the pace of change and how changes will affect them.

"Some service providers have indicated they are ready to go forward with a new contract, so PDD will proceed with the contracting process in those cases," the message read.

"For those service providers who need more time, PDD will be extending contracts to allow for more planning conversations to take place with individuals and families."

'The right thing to do'

Guy Smith, the president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees,commended the government for the delays.

"Listening to families and caregivers is the right thing to do,"he said in a release.

But he did say he would like the province to listen to the residents, their families and staff at the Michener Centre in Red Deer, Alta., who are concerned about its closure.

The provincial government plans to close down the centrefor people with developmental disabilities and transfer patients into community homes.

"Stop the closure of this home for the sake of the 125 vulnerable Albertans who have lived there for decades," said Smith.

"Keeping Michener open is the right thing to do."

New care spaces in Red Deer

Smith said almost 14,000 petition signatures have been collected since April from people all over Alberta.

While the province has not changed its stance on the closure of the centre, it did announce on Wednesday that itis adding120 new supportive living spaces for people with disabilities and seniors in Red Deer.

The spaces are being funded in part by $10.2 million in grants through the Alberta governments Affordable Supportive Living Initiative, and says project developers Points West Living Inc. and Christenson Communities Ltd. will pay the balance of the capital costs.

"These new spaces will make it possible for moreseniorsand our most vulnerable citizens to stay connected with their communities, families and friends, while getting the care and support they need," saidGeorge VanderBurg, associate minister ofseniors,in a release.