It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since the Robert Ghiz Liberals were elected. But it has. Unfortunately for Islanders with disabilities the situation is not much better than it was back last year.
The election was one of promise. Robert Ghiz campaigned on Change. Over and over he drove the message that his government would be different, would care about people.
Through Chris LeClair, Ghiz’s Chief of Staff, I was personally promised a Liberal government would institute meaningful reform of the Disability Support Program. He promised to return the $1 million cut from the budget in 2006. The Liberals would also provide DSP coverage for seniors who were excluded from the Disability Support Program.
Through some cruel twist of government logic when you turn 65 you are expected to become suddenly rich enough to buy the wheelchairs, walkers and other assistive devices needed. Of course, we know that’s only to save the government money.
This was all supposed to change.
But it didn’t. In terms of budget, we lost another $35,000 for the DSP this spring. First the minister denied it but finally admitted yes there was less money.
When asked by the opposition, the Minister first said seniors could get help and then reversed himself. Sorry, no help for seniors.
Instead of reform we got a winter-time traveling road show that is supposed to report back later. Meetings at night in winter ensured most Islanders with disabilities didn’t get heard. The road show is being run by a Liberal party worker connected to the Minister who will not have to worry about results he doesn’t agree with.
Where we are is almost discouraging considering the promises made and the hopes in the minds of Islanders with disabilities. However, we will persevere in this fight to improve the lives of Islanders with disabilities even if the government is slow to respond.
Stephen Pate
PEI Disability Alert
Charlottetown, PE
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