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MPP – Don Valley West
Parliamentary Assistant's Office
Ministry of Education
Mowat Block, 900 Bay Street, 22nd Floor
Toronto, Ontario M7A 1L2
April 26, 2005
Dear Kathleen,
Thank you so much for coming by to say hello to us last Wednesday April 20 outside of the Legislative
Assembly after Question Period. My brother David and the rest of the Huronia residents in attendance put in a
long day and behaved beautifully. I wish that I could say the same for the Minister of Community and Social
Services.
I’m afraid that Sandra Pupatello has gone down the route of deceit in her desire to put a positive spin on the
issue of the closure of the remaining three Regional Centres and specifically Huronia Regional Centre (HRC).
Here are some examples:
1) During the original press conference announcing the closure of the Centres last September the
Minister had, as an example of successful community integration, an individual who was much higher
functioning than those residents who are left in the Centres. On April 20th we tried to truly represent those
left in HRC even though the four residents in attendance are actually among the highest functioning ones
remaining.
2) During Question period on April 20th - as the residents and their caregivers were ushered in to the
Speakers and Member’s Galleries the minister obviously caught wind of what was to come. She had Ernie
Parsons quickly dispatched to plant himself firmly with the residents so that she could declare that they were
“with them (the residents) in the House”. Both Ernie Parson and Sandra Pupatello were not invited to be with
us.
3) The Minister also stated during Question Period that she had tried “valiantly, despite quarantines
because of the flu, to actually be on-site at Huronia”. I can speak to her initial effort at attempting to go – her
claim that there was a current quarantine in effect is bogus as it had been lifted three days prior. I can’t speak
to the second attempt but certainly have heard nothing about it (nor had anyone that I spoke with from
Huronia Helpers).
4) In her response to Garfield Dunlop’s question about when the families were going to be consulted, the
Minister deflected the question by insinuating that because Garfield has met with the Minister of Training,
Colleges and Universities, he is looking at the “What next” plan solely in the context of replacing HRC with
some kind of college or university. The fact is he is on record as supporting “additional” use for the 250 acre
property which could include some kind of post-secondary institution. She knows that.
For your information I have attached a copy of Hansard from April 20 that is edited so it only reflects the
exchange between the Minister and Garfield Dunlop during Question Period.
The Minister has repeatedly stated the messaging mantra of her ministry when it comes to this situation –
successive governments since 1986 have followed through on enacting a plan to close the institutions and
that they understand what the challenges and fears are of those who are left (and their families) and that they
appreciate the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the families and continue to strive to meet those
challenges and fears.
First of all, the plan has indeed followed through with the integration of the higher functioning residents over
the years. Those that are left are last for a reason. They all have severe developmental disabilities and almost
all have complex medical needs. I don’t believe this 19 year old plan accounted for these individuals.
Secondly, the Minister’s claim of wanting dialogue is not backed up by her actions. None of the reasons
behind why the remaining institutions should not be closed has been taken seriously. The Minister advocates
what has now become entrenched social dogma – where all people with disabilities will have a chance to live
and work in their communities and to “collaborate” with other members of society. This is a myth that is
generously supported by Community Living. I know of no one that is arguing against community integration –
giving opportunities to those whose capabilities can rise to the challenge of change and contribution to
society. Those that are left in the Centres are incapable of rationalizing any kind of substantial change. For
most it would be an excruciating, wrenching experience for them - one they would not understand. All we
receive from the Ministry is a patronizing, we-know-it’s-painful-but-we-know-better-than-you attitude. The
Minister did meet with representatives from Huronia Helpers but essentially shut them out. She listened,
disagreed and said that our fears were nothing that her Ministry hadn’t faced before and we would adjust.
You have visited Huronia. You’ve had a glimpse at the outstanding centralized facilities, medial care and an
extremely caring, qualified staff. This is their home. Most residents have lived there between 40 – 50 years. I
have great difficulty in believing that there is a more home-like, supportive and community inclusive situation
than the one that already exists. The Minister obviously has a bias against the Centres as she keeps referring
to them as warehouses. I would have agreed 19 years ago but they are certainly not like that now.
Kathleen, it’s extremely disheartening to come across a Minister that uses deflection, obfuscation and
stubbornness as tactics. I’m looking for your help in trying to inject some common sense into the process. It’s
seems to be painfully lacking. We (the relatives) are not a bunch of narrow minded zealots who are merely
fighting for the status quo. We have constructive, well thought out points of view that no one seems to want
to hear. A dual system of Community Living and Regional Centres (for the most severely disabled) should be
what we are aiming for. Manitoba was heading down the same road of 100% Community Living based facilities
and recently changed their mind and devoted $40M to the Manitoba Developmental Centre (much to
Community Living’s dismay).
I have also attached some petitions – the nature of which you are undoubtedly familiar with. I have attached
four copies (total of 58 names). I would appreciate it if you could read them into the legislature. If not, please
let me know and I will forward them on to an MPP who will. To date there are over 40,000 names on petitions
aimed at saving the three Centres.
Thank you for your attention and whatever help you can give.
Sincerely,
Andy Rodgers
Brother of David Rodgers – Huronia Regional Centre resident.
191 Sutherland Dr.
Toronto, Ontario
M4G 1J1
416-467-4996
rodgershome@sympatico.ca