QUEEN'S PARK – During question period today, Ontario NDP Children and Youth Services Critic, Monique Taylor, demanded the Wynne government put children affected by the strike at Peel Children’s Aid Society (CAS), first.
Workers at the Peel Children’s Aid Society have been on strike for 9 weeks as they try to get the employer to understand that workload caps are necessary so that vulnerable children get the care they need.
“The employer has been filling the gap with inadequate replacement staff,” said Taylor. “I have raised concerns about the lack of services with both the Minister of Children and Youth Services and the Minister of Labour. But still, Peel CAS refuses to reach an agreement with the workers.”
Taylor cited correspondence she received from a young person in the care of Peel CAS.
“This youth is in desperate need of care, counselling and support, support Peel CAS has not been able to provide. She waited for hours for a Peel CAS supervisor who never came to pick her up. Her school social worker has tried to reach out to the CAS but has had no response,” said Taylor.
“When will this government start putting vulnerable children first?”