SACL Election Watch

Congratulations!

2007-11-08T13:58:00.000-06:00

SACL wishes to extend our congratulations to the Saskatchewan Party and the New Democratic Party MLAs who won seats in the provincial election. We are excited to work with you over the upcoming years, to move forward on disability issues and to create better lives for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

We also want to make sure that each one of our MLAs is adopted by an SACL family or an individual with a disability. To find out more about the Adopt-an-MLA project, please call Judy Hannah or Dionne Miazdyck-Shield at SAACL (306) 955-3344.

Deb Higgins comments on Valley View Centre

2007-11-07T10:53:00.000-06:00

Charlene from Saskatchewan writes: On the Governments own website it claims that there have been no new admissions to Valley View Centre in 5 years. How can you say that Valley View will not close when obviously it is being downsized.

Deb Higgins: Public opinion has shifted to the view that people should be integrated where possible into society. While there is currently a policy of 0 admissions, there comes a point where a broader discussion needs to be had as to whether that's appropriate.

Posted 31/10/2007 at 2:32 PM

http://www.mjtimes.sk.ca/index.cfm?sid=75806&sc=443

NDP answers to SACL election questions

2007-11-02T13:39:00.000-06:00

1.If elected, what would your party do to ensure that children and youth with intellectual disabilities have consistent access to an inclusive, quality education with the supports they need?

In June 2007, Saskatchewan continued its commitment to achieving the full participation and inclusion of people with disabilities with the release of a Disability Inclusion Policy Framework. This new framework provides a long-term vision and principles to address disability issues in Saskatchewan. It will guide the development and delivery of the province’s disability programs as we continue to move forward in partnership with people with disabilities, their families, community-based organizations and employers.

The new framework is the province’s official response to the Disability Action Plan of the Saskatchewan Council of Disability Issues. The plan provided a comprehensive, thoughtful analysis of disability issues and possible solutions for a more inclusive, fair approach for government programs and services. Since the Plan’s release in 2001, the province has invested more than $49 million to support the participation and inclusion of transportation, employment, education, income support housing and cognitive disability supports.

Our NDP government recognizes that full participation and inclusion for people with disabilities requires a series of steps due to the complexity of the issue. The Disability Action Plan has guided our New Democratic government in taking steps towards the goal of full participation and inclusion.

2.Does your party support individualized funding for people with intellectual disabilities?

Our New Democratic government is committed to the provision of high quality community-based residential and day programs for people with intellectual disabilities.

We will continue to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities to access community-based residential services that meet their support needs. Our government is extensively engaged in long-term planning and program development to support individuals with complex needs in the community.

As part of our 2007-08 budget, our NDP government has provided a $1,575,000 enhancement to CLD for supports to individuals with intellectual disabilities. As well we have provided a $600,000 enhancement to implement CLD’s Redesigned Respite Program for families with children with intellectual disabilities.

CLD will continue to work collaboratively with in-patient healthcare facilities and others to determine and access appropriate resources to meet the complex support needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health concerns.

3.Would your party support taking people with disabilities off of welfare and creating a separate income support program that addresses poverty and provides security?

The NDP government is reviewing the supports available to people with disabilities, as well as the method by which support is provided. Options are being explored to provide disability supports outside of social assistance, which would benefit both those able and those unable to work. Examples of the principle in practice include:

•the option for those on social assistance to participate in the Saskatchewan Pension Plan without the loss of income;
•the extension of supplementary health benefits for a year for persons with disabilities leaving social assistance for employment; and
•a new disability housing supplement for low-income persons with disabilities.

As well, the 2003-04 provincial budget provided for an increase to the monthly social assistance disability allowance in recognition of the extra costs of living with a disability.

In 2005-06, the earnings exemption for persons with disabilities working and receiving social assistance was increased by $40 per month. Approximately 10,000 people with disabilities received this increase to their allowance for basic necessities such as food, clothing, and other personal needs. In addition, approximately 2900 adults living in residential care facilities, where food, shelter and care needs are provided, received an additional $20 per month in their personal living allowance.

In May 2007 the adult basic allowance for individuals receiving social assistance increased by an additional $10 per month, and has benefited almost 13,400 people with disabilities. Approximately 2400 adults living in residential care facilities will also receive an additional $5 per month in their Personal Living Allowance for items not provided by the facility. In addition, Level of Care rates will increase by $28 per month in 2007-08.

Enhancements were also made to the Disability Rental Housing supplement

•in April 2006, the Disability Rental Housing Supplement was expanded to include people with cognitive disabilities
•Disability Rental Housing Supplement maximum benefit amounts increased between $90 to $150 per month from levels of $60 to $96 per month. Families with children are now able to receive up to $227 per month in combined family and disability benefits (previously $151)

The 2003-04 provincial budget provided for indexation of disability-related income tax credit amounts including the Disability Tax Credit, Disability Supplement, Caregiver Tax Credit, and Infirm Dependent Tax Credit. The indexation factor for the 2006 taxation year was 2.2 per cent.

The NDP will continue to work with the federal government to review disability support tax benefits. The federal government improved the Disability Tax Credit, the Medical Expense Tax Credit, the Caregiver Tax Credit and the Disability Supports Deduction, and introduced a Child Disability Tax Credit. These improvements also enhanced the parallel provincial income tax measures.

In the 2007 budget, the federal government introduced a Registered Disability Savings Plan that included a Canada Disability Savings Grant and Canada Disability Savings Bonds, and the Working Income Tax Benefit Supplement for People with Disabilities. In 2001, the Government of Saskatchewan significantly increased the amounts of a number of disability-related tax credits in the provincial income tax system. These credits include the Disability Tax Credit, Disability Supplement, the Caregiver Tax Credit and Infirm Dependent Tax Credit. Since 2001, these tax credit amounts have been fully indexed to the national inflation rate.

Saskatchewan Party responds to deinstitutionalization and disability supports

2007-11-01T10:55:00.000-06:00

October 27, 2007

Dear Ms. Larson

On behalf of Saskatchewan Party Leader Brad Wall, thank you for your letter regarding the Deinstitutionalization Coalition of Saskatchewan. Mr. Wall is busy campaigning and has asked me to respond to you on his behalf.

The Saskatchewan Party acknowledges that persons living with permanent disabilities in Saskatchewan face many challenges. It is very important for persons that are disabled to have access to the best possible services. These services may be available in many different forms. Individuals and their guardians are in the best position to decide what services are best for them.

The Saskatchewan Party believes that a balanced approach is needed in Saskatchewan. Families of the residents at Valley View Centre and other facilities in the province are very happy with the services provided to their loved ones. As well, there are many families that choose to look after their dependent family member in the community.

The Saskatchewan Party has committed to increasing the Caregiver Tax Credit from $4019 to $8038 per year. This will save families that care for dependent family members living at home $884 a year.

The Saskatchewan Party believes it is incumbent on the provincial government to provide the necessary supports for those living with disabilities in Saskatchewan. Should we be fortunate enough to form the next government, we will work with individuals, families and community based groups such as the Saskatchewan Association of Community Living to ensure these supports are in place.

Once again, thank you for your letter and providing the Saskatchewan Party with the opportunity to respond to your questions.

Sincerely,

Drew Wilby
Saskatchewan Party Campaign

Andrew Mason, NDP candidate on Deinstitutionalization

2007-10-30T17:05:00.000-06:00

Thank you for your letter and request for information on the position of the New Democratic Party of Saskatchewan’s platform regarding the Deinstitutionalization Coalition of Saskatchewan work with individuals with intellectual disabilities.

You will be aware that our NDP government has provided 14 years of sound fiscal management alongside a balanced platform on social program spending and infrastructure investments. It is our commitment to build on this record. We will continue to give to the people of Saskatchewan a government that provides leadership and vision – a government that will see our province remain a leader in economic growth, job creation and program innovation alongside investments in services to people.

You can expect an answer in the near future.

Once again, thank you for your question. Please contact me if you have any further questions of require further information.

Sincerely,

Andrew Mason

Liberals' plan for social assistance

2007-10-30T15:23:00.000-06:00

David Karwacki has released the following information about the Liberal plan for social assistance. Click here to read their platform.

Saskatchewan Party Social Policy Platform

2007-10-26T15:59:00.000-06:00

The Saskatchewan Party sent a copy of their social policy platform in response to SACL's election questions. Click here to read the platform.

Second Response from the NDP

2007-10-25T10:27:00.000-06:00

On October 23 we posted the official response from the NDP to our questions on income for people with disabilities. As the response was vague we asked for more specific details. The response we have received is:

"Thanks Judy, we would be pleased to provide a more detailed reply once the NDP is re-elected. It is not possible for a political party to provide detailed responses regarding government department activities because we do not have access to this specific information."

People with disabilities need to know what each party will do for them! Are they expected to stay on welfare?

Deon Kalaman, Liberal candidate - Last Mountain-Touchwood candidate

2007-10-23T16:26:00.000-06:00

This is a response received to the questions submitted to candidates by DISC (Disability Income Support Coalition)

Thank you for submitting these questions, I hope I am able to answer them to your satisfaction.

To start, I would not presume to speak for the entirety of the Saskatchewan Liberals but I will gladly present my own personal response and proposed initiatives which I could commit to as an elected MLA.

If your party forms the next government, would you commit to creating a separate disability income program that assures people with disabilities the financial security and dignity they deserve?

Whether as part of a majority government or not, my commitment would extend to working with groups representing disabilities to work out a solution, whether it would involve reworking the current social assistance programs, branching out with the proposed disability income program or other method of ensuring progress in the administration.

Would your party be willing to commit to an open process and full partnership, involving the disability community in the creation of a new income program?

Partnership with the disability community would be essential in working towards an acceptable income program. Consultation and direct meetings with disability groups with open dialogue and possible partnerships would be discussed. Commitment would be based on the outcome of the consultations.

You have a very important task in front of you with many obstacles ahead. I hope that we will have a chance to work towards helping the vulnerable in Saskatchewan attain some measure of security and confidence.

Deon Kalaman
Last Mountain-Touchwood candidate
Saskatchewan Liberal Party

David Parker, Liberal Candidate - Saskatoon Sutherland

2007-10-23T16:18:00.000-06:00

The following questions were sent by the Disability Income Support Coalition (DISC). The response is from David Parker.

1.If your party forms the next government, would you commit to creating a separate disability income program that assures people with disabilities the financial security and dignity they deserve?

2.Would your party be willing to commit to an open process and full partnership, involving the disability community in the creation of a new income program?
Hello Judy,

My name is David Parker, Liberal candidate for Saskatoon Sutherland.My answers to both questions would be a resounding yes.

Yours truly,

David Parker

The Official NDP response to questions on income for people with disabilities

2007-10-23T15:43:00.000-06:00

On behalf of all NDP candidates please find attached the responses to the questions from your letter dated October 22.

Thanks

Chris Haluk
NDP Central Campaign Headquarters

DISABILITY INCOME SUPPORT COALITION (DISC)

1.If your party forms the next government, would you commit to creating a separate disability income program that assures people with disabilities the financial security and dignity they deserve?

Since the release of the Saskatchewan Council on Disability Issues’ Disability Action Plan in June 2001, the NDP government has invested almost $49M to support people with disabilities. The Disability Inclusion Policy Framework, released in June 2007, is government’s formal response to the Disability Action Plan. The Disability Inclusion Policy Framework will continue to guide the development and delivery of the province’s disability programs once the NDP is re-elected.

2.Would your party be willing to commit to an open process and full partnership, involving the disability community in the creation of a new income program?

When re-elected, the NDP will continue to pursue important changes so that people with disabilities have better access to the supports they need. An NDP government will continue to work together with the disability community in developing solutions to disability issues.

Response from Jim Elliott, Green Party candidate - Regina Wascana Plains

2007-10-23T13:59:00.000-06:00

I am responding to your questions in the best way I know how to at this time.

1. I would hope that we would not have any barriers to quality education but that cannot be kept without constant scrutiny and a full commitment to the principle of consistent access. Our party stands for affordable education and providing the needed provincial funding to school boards to address needs like this. We may need to have you and others provide us with guidance so as to set the supports in the best and most efficient manner.

2. When you set up general guidelines and principles, there will always be those that don't fit the form or the mold. These would need to be assessed individually to see if there would be modifications that would allow us to fit the intent with the action while staying fiscally responsible.

3. Poverty has always been a problem that we want society to respond to and it would be our intent to push strongly to get the level of poverty in this province down. Ideas that have been suggested would be increasing social assistance rates, disability benefits and something more comprehensive like a guaranteed annual income. We would achieve this through a better redistribution of wealth in this province.

As a last note, I have worked with a number of individuals with disabilities and count them as my friends and co-workers on a number of community initiatives.

Yours sincerely,
Jim Elliott,
Green Party of Saskatchewan
Regina Wascana Plains

Response from Larissa Shasko, Green Party candidate for Moose Jaw-Wakamow.

2007-10-23T13:39:00.000-06:00

These answers are direct from myself, Larissa Shasko, your Green Party of Saskatchewan candidate for Moose Jaw-Wakamow.
1. One of the Founding Principles of the Green Party of Saskatchewan is
Social and Economic Justice:

"We believe in the right of every person of working age to socially useful and environmentally sustainable work, access for every person to free education and health care, as well as adequate food, clothing and shelter."

In otherwords, a Green Party government would hold school divisions accountable to ensure children with diabilities are included as equals within every school in Saskatchewan. The Green Party would also restore provincial funding to school districts to provide schools with adequate resources so that children with intellectual disabilities have the support they need. We will require that the school districts enable these beautiful children to be included in class among their peers, while ensuring that their needs are fostered and met on a continous basis.

2. Absolutely! Our Founding Principle on Participatory Democracy is:

All citizens must be able to directly participate as equals in the environmental, economic and political decisions that affect their lives.

The Green Party feels that those with intellectual disabilities and their families should be able to make the decisions that are best for their own lives, and respects that all of us have individual needs. Individualized funding is an excellent objective.

3. Yes, yes, yes! I am a strong believer that Saskatchewan's welfare system should not be utilized by those with health problems because the welfare system is extremely inadequate for people who are unable to work due to their health. People with intellectual disbilities must not be cast into the same system of those who don't want to work. They need a seperate income support plan that ensures all of their needs are provided for, that no one is living in poverty, and that they are not being punished by our governmnet because of their disabilities. I would make this one of my highest priorities. All poverty must be eliminated in Saskatchewan and Canada, and the Green Party supports eliminating poverty. We would make drastic improvements to the welfare system to raise the current below poverty rates, but it is wrong to have welfare as our provinces income disability system. It doesn't work, it isn't fair, and the Green Party of Saskatchewan would fix this.

Thanks for your questions! If I can help bring these needs to the government's doorstep through meetings with MLAs or the press after the election, I would like to help.

Thanks, and take care,

Larissa Shasko

Moose Jaw-Wakamow Green Party of Saskatchewan Candidate

Response from Vic Lau, Green Party

2007-10-23T13:21:00.000-06:00

The following are answers we received from Vic Lau in response to the SACL questions which were emailed to all candidates:

1. Parents of children with intellectual disabilities across the province are struggling to ensure an inclusive education for their sons and daughters, with little opportunity for accountability at the school division level. If elected, what would your party do to ensure that children and youth with intellectual disabilities have consistent access to an inclusive, quality education with the supports they need?

WE IN THE GREEN PARTY WOULD WORK WITH YOUR GROUP AND OTHERS TO REVIEW THE NEEDS IN THIS AREA AND IMPLEMENT A GUARANTEED LIVABLE INCOME www.livableincome.org AS WELL AS OFFER ANY POSSIBLE AID AVAILABLE.

2. When people with intellectual disabilities become adults, there is very little offered in the form of services, and virtually no opportunity to create a personal plan for supported living. SACL is leading the development of individualized funding for services, something that many of our families want. Other provinces have had this option available for people with intellectual disabilities for many years. Does your party support individualized funding for people with intellectual disabilities?

YES. SEE www.livableincome.org

3. Poverty is the greatest impact of disability that most people with disabilities face in their lifetime. Right now 77% of the social assistance long term caseload are citizens with disabilities. Would your party support taking people with disabilities off of welfare and creating a separate income support program that addresses poverty and provides security?

YES THE GREEN PARTY IS CERTAINLY DEDICATED TO DOING THIS IMMEDIATELY AFTER BEING ELECTED. AS AN MLA FOR DOUGLAS PARK, I WOULD WORK WITH YOU AND SACL TO DO THIS RIGHT. I ALSO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTING A SEPARATE DISABILITIES ACT THAT WOULD ENSHRINE CERTAIN PROTECTIONS FOR THE DISABLED!

Questions to ask candidates

2007-10-23T11:42:00.000-06:00

SACL has prepared three questions for candidates in the provincial election. Feel free to ask the candidates one or more of these questions whenas they come to your door. Send us their responses and we'll post the results on the blog!

1.Parents of children with intellectual disabilities across the province are struggling to ensure an inclusive education for their sons and daughters, with little opportunity for accountability at the school division level. If elected, what would your party do to ensure that children and youth with intellectual disabilities have consistent access to an inclusive, quality education with the supports they need?

2.When people with intellectual disabilities become adults, there is very little offered in the form of services, and virtually no opportunity to create a personal plan for supported living. SACL is leading the development of individualized funding for services, something that many of our families want. Other provinces have had this option available for people with intellectual disabilities for many years. Does your party support individualized funding for people with intellectual disabilities?

3.Poverty is the greatest impact of disability that most people with disabilities face in their lifetime. Right now 77% of the social assistance long term caseload are citizens with disabilities. Would your party support taking people with disabilities off of welfare and creating a separate income support program that addresses poverty and provides security?

Sask Party - Caregiver Personal Tax Credit

2007-10-23T11:40:00.000-06:00

Brad Wall announced that a Saskatchewan Party government will double the Caregiver Personal Tax Credit for persons taking care of a parent or grandparent aged 65 or older in their home, or persons who have an adult-aged dependent with a disability living in their home. This will increase the benefit from about $442 to $884 per year.

NDP Candidates response to all questions

2007-10-23T10:50:00.000-06:00

The NDP candidates we are hearing from are telling us that all policy questions must be answered by their provincial office. We'll keep you posted as we hear responses to our questions.

Response from Jim Pulfer, Liberal

2007-10-23T10:13:00.000-06:00

1.Would your party be willing to state that institutions no longer play a role in the lives of citizens with intellectual disabilities in Saskatchewan?

As for your concerns, I too share them. Institutions of many types are an abomination to the integrity of human personhood. You can count on me in whatever way I can to move towards community and family settings for many types of institutional situations. You are definitely preaching to the choir on this one.

Response from Green Party Candidate - Douglas Park

2007-10-19T15:57:00.001-06:00

Poverty is the greatest impact of disability that most people with disabilities face in their lifetime. Right now 77% of the social assistance long term caseload are citizens with disabilities. Would your party support taking people with disabilities off of welfare and creating a separate income support program that addresses poverty and provides security?

YES THE GREEN PARTY IS CERTAINLY DEDICATED TO DOING THIS IMMEDIATELY AFTER BEING ELECTED. AS AN MLA FOR DOUGLAS PARK, I WOULD WORK WITH YOU AND SACL TO DO THIS RIGHT. I ALSO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTING A SEPARATE DISABILITIES ACT THAT WOULD ENSHRINE CERTAIN PROTECTIONS FOR THE DISABLED!

Candidates are out canvassing in their ridings!

2007-10-19T15:42:00.000-06:00

This weekend will be a busy time for candidates as they are out trying to contact as many voters in their ridings as possible. If they call on you ask them about the issues that affect you and your child. It might be inclusive education, it might be supports for your adult son or daughter or it might be about your teenager's transition from high school to the the adult world where supports are harder to find. Let us know the responses you get from the candidates and we'll post them on the blog!

People with Disabilities and Welfare

2007-10-15T15:01:00.000-06:00

Did you know that people with disabilities make up over 75% of the welfare case load? Welfare was designed for short term needs but people with disabilities need long term support. This isn’t the system for them. We need a new separate system that respects the needs of people with disabilities.

Economic Prosperity Leading to Social Prosperity

2007-10-11T11:50:00.000-06:00

November 7 is the day! As he announced the election last night, Lorne Calvert said that economic prosperity should lead to social prosperity. Let's see how the parties respond to requests for individualized supports for people with intellectual disabilities!

How to post your comments

2007-10-11T11:48:00.000-06:00

How to post a comment
Anyone interested in posting relevant comments to this weblog can do so in one of three ways:

sacl@sacl.org

In any case, please keep your comments civil and clean. We will delete comments that are judged to be unsuitable.

We will post observations, positions and discussion issues here throughout the Saskatchewan provincial election.

2007-10-11T11:43:00.000-06:00

This is a place where we can post information about parties and candidates, particularly related to issues of concern to the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living and the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in our province. Join us here. Feel free to comment on anything you see, and if you want to post an entry of your own, contact the SACL office at sacl@sacl.org or phone us at 306-955-3344.

2007 Provincial Election Rumoured

2007-10-10T10:16:00.000-06:00

Time to wake our blog from its gentle slumber. You have probably heard that a provincial campaign and election is imminent, and it is also possible that we will find ourselves in a federal election. These are exciting times, and we will again cover issues of importance to people with intellectual disabilities and their families, friends and advocates. Stay with us at SACL Election Watch as the campaign(s) and issues unfold, and we invite you to comment on any of the issues that catch your attention.

Bookmark this page

2004-03-03T08:08:00.000-06:00

If you're interested in tracking the election positions and issues that involve people with intellectual disabilities, be sure to bookmark this blog and check back with us regularly. As the election nears, the number of postings will probably increase in number and focus. And if you have an idea to share, remember to look at the instructions in the previous message, or contact us so we can add it for you.