Nearly 40 people turned out to a roundtable discussion on social services delivery, hosted by Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece and Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson.
The Jan. 30 event in Wingham, drew social services professionals and municipal representatives from St. Marys, Stratford, Listowel, Wellington County, and many communities in Huron-Bruce. Also participating were MPPs Jane McKenna, opposition critic for children and youth services, and Toby Barrett, critic for community and social services.
“I want to thank everyone from Perth-Wellington who joined us,” said Pettapiece after the discussion. “It was very helpful to have the benefit of their experience in delivering services that so many people rely on – especially our communities’ most vulnerable.”
In January, the Progressive Conservative caucus released two white papers focused on social services: Paths to Prosperity—A Fresh Start for Children and Youth and Paths to Prosperity—From Welfare to Work. They are not campaign commitments, Pettapiece explained, but are intended to generate discussion on how the province can better deliver social services in the future.
“We wanted to invite people from across the social services sector to come together for a frank discussion,” Pettapiece said. “We wanted their advice on the white papers. We wanted to know which ideas could help the government improve social services and which ones still need work.”
The MPPs also sought to examine issues, whether or not they were addressed in the white papers, that needed the most attention.
Many participants cited a need to improve flexibility in service delivery in rural and small-town environments, recognizing local expertise and respecting the area’s unique circumstances.
Pettapiece agreed, “Our local agencies have so much to offer and, especially in small towns, they work together. We don’t face the same issues as they do in Toronto, and the government must recognize that.”
Transportation, participants agreed, is a major barrier for many who require services in rural and small-town Ontario. Other issues discussed included the need to ensure children’s basic needs are met; the need to break down silos across multiple provincial ministries; the need for more affordable housing; and the pros and cons of combining, for administration purposes, Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program.
Pettapiece states he welcomes public feedback on the PC white papers. They can be accessed from Pettapiece’s website, at www.pettapiece.ca/WhitePapers.
