Government must respond to Children’s Aid Societies: MPP Arnott

NEWS RELEASE
Ted Arnott, MPP
Wellington – Halton Hills

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2010

Government must respond to Children’s Aid Societies: MPP Arnott
(Queen’s Park) – The McGuinty Liberals are not giving Children’s Aid Societies—and the vulnerable
children they serve—the attention they need, says Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.

“This government must sit down with the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies and take
seriously their budget concerns,” he said. “Protecting children should be one of government’s most
important responsibilities.”

Funding shortfalls have been a major problem for CASs across Ontario, over 40 of which were left
with deficits of over $32.5 million. Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County
is reporting a projected deficit of $329,000, while the Halton Children’s Aid Society (CAS) is
expecting a deficit of $600,000.

Today Mr. Arnott met at Queen’s Park with representatives from both organizations.

“These organizations are telling us they have no more room to cut,” said Mr. Arnott. “Their caseload
is increasing, and they don’t deserve to have the government point the finger at them.”

In fall 2009, an unprecedented 37 Children’s Aid Societies requested a formal review, also known as
a Section 14 review, of their budgets. Under this legal procedure, a court reviews a government
decision to ensure that it has complied with the law.

Children’s Aid Societies have a legislated responsibility to provide front-line care for vulnerable
children.

“The McGuinty Liberals spent a billion dollars on its notorious eHealth scheme, with very little to
show for it,” said Mr. Arnott. “Meanwhile our local CASs are going without the support they need.
It’s time this government readjusts its priorities.”

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Ted Arnott, MPP
Phone: 416-325-3880
Email: ted.arnott@pc.ola.org