Family members of adults with autism and other developmental disabilities under the care of a charity in the Greater Toronto Area are urging the provincial government to step in following the involuntary relocation of their loved ones due to a labor dispute.
Christine Burnett’s nephew, Jay Gualitieri, 35, has been residing in a group home operated by Central West Specialized Developmental Services (CWSDS) in Oakville since 2012. However, at the end of September, Jay and other residents from CWSDS group homes in Mississauga, Milton, Georgetown, and Burlington were transferred to the charity’s headquarters on Bond St. in Oakville without their families’ consent amid the ongoing dispute with support workers.
Expressing concerns over the lack of choice in the matter, family members highlighted the abrupt removal of residents from their familiar environments and daily routines. Burnett emphasized the importance of returning the residents to their previous group homes, where they are supported by familiar staff who understand their needs.
Despite reaching out to Premier Doug Ford for assistance, the families received no comment from the premier’s office. Approximately 30 to 40 residents were affected by the relocation, which CWSDS attributed to preparing for a potential lockout or strike amidst the labor dispute with support workers.
The charity’s CEO, Patricia Kyle, assured efforts to minimize disruptions to the residents and the community, expressing hope for a resolution between CWSDS and the union to avoid further disturbances in care provision.
Concerned families, feeling marginalized in the bargaining process, are advocating for the rights of their loved ones. Rabia Khedr shared her brother Shahrukh Khan’s experience at the relocated Oakville site, expressing how the move violates residents’ rights and disrupts their well-being.
Acknowledging the negative impacts of disruptions on residents’ health and emotional stability, family members highlighted the potential for increased anxiety and aggression. They expressed concerns about the use of temporary agency staff during a lockout or strike, fearing further alienation of the residents.
Questioning the level of training and familiarity of temporary workers, families are apprehensive about the quality of care during the ongoing labor dispute. The Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services emphasized the importance of agencies developing contingency plans to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and service recipients during such disruptions.