NDP Consultation Workshops
“Back to Balance”
The NDP are looking for input on how to reduce the 1.4 Billion Dollar gap that is
looming, as interest keeps building. They spent 3.5billion on health 1.9 billion on
education .9billion on community services and .4billion on transportation.
Currently 39% comes from federal, 14% HST: 21% income tax: 4% corporate
tax; 4% Government Business; 2% oil&gas Royalties; 13% other.
The Consultation format is such that we need to have as many representatives
as possible present at each meeting in every area! The meetings are actually at
“round tables” & the more frequently an idea is presented at a table the louder
the message will be heard.
The Disability Rights Coalition has put some thoughts down on paper to answer
the four questions being asked by government. If you cannot attend one of
these meetings, you can still have input by going on-line or by mailing your
response to : Finance Minister, Back to Balance,PO Box 187, 1723 Hollis St.,
Halifax, NS 83) 2N3
QUESTIONS & RESPONSES..
What should the government do to increase revenue or decrease spending?
* Historically, government has offered the “all or nothing approach’ where
an individual either “fits into a program/service/piace” in order to receive
support. It has been proven that this approach is not fiscally responsible.
Nor does this approach work in the best interest of persons with
disabilities. The continuum of service method has to be replaced
+ Person centered planning will allow supports to be custom fit to the person
who needs them
* Individualized funding can decrease spending when its person
centered...Individuals who can self manage or have support systems that
enable supported decision making can create their own support system to
suit their needs. And when there is a need they can hire their own staff,
thereby contributing to the workforce, economy & tax revenue. Individuals
who cannot self manage & do not have natural supported decision-makers
could use accredited service providers to provide for their needs, Theycould provide the service or act as supportive decision makers but
shouldn't be both.
Gov't needs to invest in services, which will create jobs that provide for the
needs of its citizens with disabilities. The services need to be run as small
businesses either for profit or non (could Invest in existing services) which
would create tax revenue (income tax) by employing NS. Even with funds
‘coming from government coffers it would go tight back into the economy in
the purchasing of goods & services thus increasing tax revenues. If
employment for disabled persons was the focus, it would cut back on
social assistance & increase tax revenue,
Gov't needs to STOP building new large facilities to house persons with
disabilities including the 4-8 person group homes and USE the existing
housing stock which is easily convertible back to single family homes
when supported housing is no longer necessary
. What changes should be made to programs and services? Are there
things government should do better, stop doing or do more of?
Gov't needs to stop building institutions, including 4-8 person group
homes. Utilize this money to provide supports in small homes (means
eliminating major capital expenses) supported apts, increase home care.
& respite. This would help unclog expensive hospital beds
Need to change policies which restrict access to services because of the
concern of liability, An example is requiring someone who cannot self
inject insulin to live in a 24 hour facility to receive insulin instead of
allowing a trained person who is supporting a DCS client. All
policies/definition of services need to be examined to see if it is based on
the premise of “dignity of risk’ as it could allow more people to live with
less supports, Persons with disabilities tend to be over supervised in the
building then necessary causing unnecessary staffing costs.
Focus should be on “individual disability supports” and what that person
requires to have success in their life, rather than continue to try to fit
people into services or programs that they don't need. The majority of
Nova Scotians will likely require minimal supports. A small percentage will
require more.* Complex cases if complex will not allow people to fit into predetermined
placements. So either allow creative person centered solutions by
COMPLEX CASE CO-ORDINATORS or cut the POSITIONS IN DCS & DOH .
3. What investments should be made today that will help to grow the economy in
the long term?
* Invest in small businesses to provide supports to disabled persons, thus
creating work within the economy. Persons with disabilities can also
contribute to the economy when they are able to hire support persons to
assist them with their disability needs.
4. How soon should government bring NS finances back to balance?
‘+ Need to create a committee of key community stakeholders :consumers
family members, disabled persons advocacy groups, service providers
(who believe in the principles stated below) to develop a strategy based
on the following principles:
* Person centered planning
+ Individualized funding
+ Self-management or supported decision making
* Inclusion
+ This strategy should include a vision of community partnerships engaging
& including stakeholders in the decision making process
Please Forward this to as many as you can and request a copy of the booklet at
1-800-670-4357 or 902-424-5200.
Sign up at www.gov.ns.ca/finance/backtobalance.