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'This poll confirms what we’ve long known.' - BCGEU president Darryl Walker.
Vancouver (13 Oct. 2010) - A new poll conducted for the Roundtable of Provincial Social Services Organizations confirms British Columbians’ support for restoring funding to community social services.
According to the Angus Reid poll, 65% of those surveyed agreed that current funding levels are too low for community social services such as child care, seniors’ care, employment services, support for families and children, assistance for vulnerable populations and adult residential care.
Nearly 90% of respondents agreed community social services make their communities a safer, better place to live and that these preventive services reduce the cost and societal burden of family breakdown and crisis intervention down the line.
The British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) represents thousands of community social services workers across the province.
“We’re pleased this poll confirms what we’ve long known. B.C. communities depend on and want to increase the types of social services our members provide,” says BCGEU president Darryl Walker.
“Sadly, demand for services is increasing at the same time the B.C. government is squeezing service providers to make cuts,” he notes.
“You only have to look at what’s happening with service providers funded by the B.C. government’s Community Living B.C. agency,” adds James Cavalluzzo, chair of the BCGEU’s community social services component.
“Community social service providers’ budgets are being slashed. This poll affirms our position that funding is inadequate.”
The poll will be presented to the B.C. Government. Roundtable members include the Federation of Community Social Services and the B.C. Society of Transition Houses.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
More information:
• Media release: Poll shows strong public support for community services - pdf