"Ontario's 2006 budget flows a lot of money to private developers to build roads and construct private hospitals, but there is precious little for working families," says Sharleen Stewart, President Service Employees International Union Local 1.on.

The budget provides $1.2 billion for roads and bridges and an additional $1.9 billion for health care, mainly to build 11 new private hospitals, but Ontario Disability Support Program recipients receive a mere 2 per cent increase, an increase well below the rate of inflation.

"This government has again neglected community services and social support programs," Stewart said.

Disabled people's incomes will remain under $1,000 per month. From this stipend they must pay their accommodation and living expenses.

"What these people do not receive, their caregivers also do not get. Community support workers are exiting this sector in droves because they can not afford to fall further behind in their standard of living," Stewart said.

WHAT HEALTH CARE WORKERS NEED - BUT NOT IN THE BUDGET

No additional money for home care or long term care There is a vague commitment to developing standards for the nursing home and retirement home sectors. However, Health Minister Smitherman has said there will be no minimum number of care hours nursing home residents will be entitled to.

OTHER HEALTH CARE ITEMS
 

• The government will increase the Stockpile of antivirals and emergency supplies and equipment to protect health care workers.
• An additional $300 million over the next three years, to move towards a 50 / 50 sharing of the cost of municipal ambulance services.
• Operating grant funding to hospitals will increase to $12.9-Billion in 2006 - 2007.
• $34 million over two years to retain late career nurses.
• $30 million over two years to create temporary full-time positions to support new nursing graduates

COMMUNITY SERVICES

A shameful increase of only 2 per cent to Ontario Works (OW) and ODSP recipients is well below the rate of inflation.

• Deficit for 2006 - $1.4 Billion
• Net total debt for Ontario - $147 Billion