DSP Coordinator threatened the government may cut the program again if the cost gets too high
Lawyers Karen Campbell, right, and Jacqueline O’Keefe talk prior to the start of a human rights hearing in Charlottetown Tuesday. Campbell represents four families alleging discrimination under the province’s disability support program. O’Keefe represents the P.E.I. Human Rights Commission. (Guardian photo by Heather Taweel)
In April 2006, the Government of PEI cut back the Disability Support Program by $1 million. Last week in testimony before the PEI Human Rights Commission, the DSP Coordinator threatened the government may cut the program again if the cost gets too high.
In 1838 Charles Dickens wrote Oliver Twist. It was a scathing attack on the social ills of his time including abuse of children. In the workhouse, Oliver is faced with hard work and not enough food to eat. The overworked and starving children draw lots and Oliver has to ask the famous:
‘Please, sir, I want some more.’
The master was a fat, healthy man; but he turned very pale…
Please, sir,’ replied Oliver, ‘I want some more.’
The master aimed a blow at Oliver’s head with the ladle…’Chapter 2
Oliver did not get more food. He was declared fit for hanging and thrown out of the workhouse.
How far are we 160 years later from Dickens’ world? Seeing the desperate plight of Islanders with disabilities does the government come to their aid with assistance? No, it threatens them.
In sworn testimony, the coordinator replied to government counsel by stating that the parents’ complaint could jeopardize the Disability Support Program. There wasn’t enough money to meet their needs. In reply to Karen Campbell’s cross-exam, he repeated his claim that costs ‘could call into question program sustainability.’
This is the same threat heard over and over during public meetings on the DSP in 2001: don’t ask for more. Be happy with what crumbs you are getting. That’s pure hogwash.
Islanders with disabilities represent 14% of the population. We are protected from government abuse by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the PEI Human Rights Act, numerous court precedents and a moral public conscience.
DSP testimony provides a glimpse inside the mind of the government. It’s not pretty. The $1 million cutback last year may be just the beginning.
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