Community-based organization (CBO) workers from across the province were at the Saskatchewan Legislature on Thursday, seeking answers from the Minister of Social Services. Canadian Union of Public Employees Sask. (CUPE) says it’s spent six months waiting to speak with Minister Terry Jenson about under-funding, staff shortages and work instability CBO’s are facing. Kent Peterson is the President of CUPE Sask. He says multi-year funding, safer workplaces, and transparency and accountability are major concerns. “We need multi-year funding. You cannot operate this sector year-by-year when organizations have no idea what funding they are going to receive next year,” said Peterson. During the legislative assembly, Jenson thanked CBO workers for their work within the disability sector. Jenson said the Ministry of Social Services is having regular discussions with service providers, union partners, families and individuals of group homes. “This is an area that we have committed to in terms of constructing group homes, and employing additional people in the CBO sector,” said Jenson. Christie MacNeil, chair of the CBO Workers’ Steering Committee, is advocating for fare wages. “At a minimum, keeping up with the cost of living. That’s just keeping up with the status quo. That’s not giving people extra at all,” said MacNeil. Jenson said he’s willing to travel to meet, but it’s best to contact his office to set up a time and place first. “We are committed to keeping that dialogue happening. When I am out in different communities, talking to the people on the front lines, I seek that feedback as well,” said Jenson. Nov. 6 is CBO Appreciation Day in Saskatchewan.
