The PEI Government confirmed last week a $651,000 cut back for Islanders with disabilities. This budget cutback means Islanders with disabilities will face the New Year without the help they need. They will feel like Tiny Tim in Charles Dickens’s tale of the miserly Scrooge who said “Humbug” to the needs of the disadvantaged. For example of how miserly the Disability Support Program (DSP) has become they will no longer fund scooters. These inexpensive devices are used by mobility impaired Islanders to get around the community.
During question period in the PEI Legislature on December 14, 2006, PEI Social Services and Seniors Minister Gillan admitted that the budget for DSP had been cut back $651,000 over last years estimate. This is a 7% reduction in DSP benefits. By comparison, other departmental expenditures were substantially increased. Cash and Benefits were raised $1.2 million or 5%. Day care benefits were increased $577,000 or 17%. Community grants were up $633,000 or 15%. This Scrooge likes to pick on the disabled.
Read More…
Leave a Reply