One hundred children wait for vital services in Northumberland
Despite all the rhetoric politicians can muster, families continue to be at the bottom of the agenda, particularly those with children who face serious problems.
Take for example the 100 children and teenagers who sit on a waiting list for physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy from the Five Counties Children's Centre, which serves Northumberland and Peterborough counties, along with Lindsay. Families must wait six to 18 months before getting much needed assistance due to a shortfall in funding to its $6 million budget. The agency received $600,000 from the provincial government in March to enable it to lower its overall waiting list from 500 to 350.
The situation locally is so bad Cobourg author Grace Barker donated $1 per book from her latest children's book The Bad Luck Bank Robberies.
There is not one local politician - municipal, federal or provincial - who will not tell you families are important. And yet, it is apparent this refers to those who do not face problems. About 50 parents in the Kitchener area rallied yesterday to help 750 autistic children who are on waiting lists for intensive therapy. The Ontario Court of Appeal recently ruled the provincial government doesn't have to pay for therapy once children reach the age of six.
NDP Health critic Shelly Martel said a portion of the funds allocated for assistance is not being spent.
No doubt, there are arguments to be made about what social servivces are essential and those which are not. But, when it comes to children, the debate must end and action must be taken. No child should suffer. A co-ordinated effort must be made to get the 100 children in Northumberland County the services they need. County politicians must take on this issue immediately and not stop. Meanwhile, MPP Lou Rinaldi must be publicly embarrassed into action, since it seems to be the only motivator he responds to in a crisis. Finally, MP Rick Norlock needs to break with his party to speak out on this issue. This is the kind of issue that could be solved if Ontario received its fair share of equalization payments. He should suggest that any additional money provided to the provinces should be spent on social programs aimed at children and families.
There is much to be done.
Take for example the 100 children and teenagers who sit on a waiting list for physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy from the Five Counties Children's Centre, which serves Northumberland and Peterborough counties, along with Lindsay. Families must wait six to 18 months before getting much needed assistance due to a shortfall in funding to its $6 million budget. The agency received $600,000 from the provincial government in March to enable it to lower its overall waiting list from 500 to 350.
The situation locally is so bad Cobourg author Grace Barker donated $1 per book from her latest children's book The Bad Luck Bank Robberies.
There is not one local politician - municipal, federal or provincial - who will not tell you families are important. And yet, it is apparent this refers to those who do not face problems. About 50 parents in the Kitchener area rallied yesterday to help 750 autistic children who are on waiting lists for intensive therapy. The Ontario Court of Appeal recently ruled the provincial government doesn't have to pay for therapy once children reach the age of six.
NDP Health critic Shelly Martel said a portion of the funds allocated for assistance is not being spent.
No doubt, there are arguments to be made about what social servivces are essential and those which are not. But, when it comes to children, the debate must end and action must be taken. No child should suffer. A co-ordinated effort must be made to get the 100 children in Northumberland County the services they need. County politicians must take on this issue immediately and not stop. Meanwhile, MPP Lou Rinaldi must be publicly embarrassed into action, since it seems to be the only motivator he responds to in a crisis. Finally, MP Rick Norlock needs to break with his party to speak out on this issue. This is the kind of issue that could be solved if Ontario received its fair share of equalization payments. He should suggest that any additional money provided to the provinces should be spent on social programs aimed at children and families.
There is much to be done.
posted by Robert Washburn at
8:17 AM
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