CAS facing $5M deficit
PROVINCE
Posted By COURTNEY WHALEN, THE PACKET AND TIMES
Posted 2 months ago
The chance Simcoe County's most vulnerable residents could suffer because of a funding shortfall to Children's Aid Societies is "outrageous," says Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop.
The Simcoe County Children's Aid Society is facing a $5-million deficit this year, according to executive director Mary Ballantine.
Some Children's Aid Societies in the province have had to issue layoff notices and are warning the province they could go bankrupt in the face of a $67-million shortfall.
"We are receiving 10.4% less funding this year than we did last year," Ballantine said. "We are continuing to try and work with the Ministry (of Children and Youth Services). We have not, at this time, made layoffs."
Instead, the Simcoe County agency is holding positions vacant, particularly in the administrative and management area. While that's working in the short term, it's not a long-term solution, Ballantine said. If a solution can't be found, they may have to look at layoffs and cuts to service.
"At this point, we have no resolution," Ballantine said, although they remain hopeful the government will help with a solution, she added.
On Wednesday, Premier Dalton McGuinty wouldn't commit to any new money for the Ontario agencies, saying his government has increased funds by 30%.
Children and Youth Services Minister Laurel Broten said dealing with funding shortfalls at provincial CAS agencies was a top priority, but cautioned that finding a solution would take time.
"I think the government has to revisit this quickly," Dunlop said yesterday. "Of all the people you don't want to hurt, it's the most marginalized -- children. How are we going to look after these kids?"
Children's Aid Societies are providing programs mandated by the province, he said. In order to provide those mandated services, they need to have the funding to carry them out, Dunlop said.
"So, obviously the government isn't holding up its end of the bargain.
Agencies in northern Ontario have been hardest hit with the Payukotayno James and Hudson Bay Family Services sending layoff notices to its 120 staff. Eighteen staff have received layoff notices at the York Region Children's Aid Society.
While the Simcoe County Children's Aid Society hopes for a solution to its funding shortfall, Ballantine said they're trying to minimize the impact of the vacant positions on its six service offices by spreading staffing out evenly.
cwhalen@orilliapacket.com
