Layoffs at the John McGivney Children’s Centre (JMCC) in Windsor are driving a Windsor politician to ask for changes to the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).
Late last week, the centre issued 17 layoff notices to members of its staff, primarily to instructor therapists.
Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky wrote a letter to Minister Lisa MacLeod asking her to reconsider the changes and to implement a fully funded, needs and evidence-based autism strategy. Gretzky said she blames the layoffs on the changes to the OAP.
"The John McGivney Children’s Centre is a vital part of our community in Windsor, due to the incredible work they do to support children and youth with disabilities," said Gretzky.
The JMCC offers several services from assessments and consultations, to the provision of assistive devices and various therapies, along with services through the OAP.
Changes to the autism program have been fiercely opposed by families, service providers, and educators.
"The callous cuts you made to the program have not only forced families to make unthinkably difficult decisions, like whether to sell their house or deny their children life-changing therapy, but service providers are suffering as well," she added.
She said the Child and Community Resources in northern Ontario, the Kidsability in Kitchener, and the John McGivney Centre in west Windsor have all laid off staff.
"Minister, your announcement about a plan to consult with communities does not reverse the layoffs to service providers seen across Ontario, nor does it undo the turmoil your OAP changes have caused families," Gretzky said. "It’s time to move forward with a fully funded, needs and evidence-based autism strategy."
The province said the staff layoffs are premature. However, Gretzky said the province has created a crisis in the developmental services and autism sectors.
"If these layoffs are premature, it’s because of the anxiety and uncertainty that you have caused," said Gretzky.
The John McGivney Children’s Centre’s preschool program was at risk of closing four years ago after the province stopped its funding, but it was eventually saved.
"I am imploring you to reconsider your changes to the OAP, and to provide parents and service providers with the clarity they desperately need, in order to properly plan for the future," Gretzky concluded.
The new OAP took effect on Monday.