It’s sad to say, both the federal and provincial governments continue to make fiscal changes to organizations supporting individuals that have no huge block of voting power, no organized lobby group to pay their way into the good graces of the government and definitely no unions to help them voice their concerns to the public.
These individuals are not talking about class size or working 15 minutes longer or less a day, or pension plans. They are dealing with the ability to get fed, pay rent, get clothed.
It made me sad to read Mr. Mayes’ comments that “If they (Independent Living) have a solid program…” Independent Living has a fantastic program and stellar staff that’s been flying by the seat of their pants for years selling dog calendars, having cycling events and garage sales and still maintaining their great reputation among individuals with disabilities in the North Okanagan.
If only Mr. Mayes had said that instead, and then said, “And I’ll support them with every ounce of support I can give them.” Because that is the kind of comment they deserve.
I’ll be curious to see if any other political party representative in the North Okanagan, federal, provincial or even municipal, speaks up to support the needs of individuals who are differently-abled than the majority of the population.
As we all age and change in our own abilities, the need to support or grow existing services and to improve legislation that deals with these matters will impact us all more and more. Existing services are already minimal and need to be enhanced. What will the future bring when the boomers reach the peak of their mature years in the near future?
Joanne Feenstra
Armstrong
