Letter to Steve Peters, Liberal MPP
from the Hon. Helen Johns
Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation

January 17, 2000

 

Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation
Minister
6th Floor
400 University Avenue
Toronto ON M7A 2R9
Tel.: (416) 325-6200
Fax: (416) 325-6195

January 17, 2000

Steve Peters, MPP
Elgin-Middlesex-London
Queen's Park
Room 331, Main Legislative Building
Toronto ON M7A 1A4

Dear Mr. Peters:

Thank you for your letter, with attached letters from four constituents, regarding interpretive services for the deaf, deafened and hard of hearing.

I received the identical four letters from Leona Dombrowsky, MPP, Hastings-Frontenac-Lennox & Addington, and responded to Ms. Dombrowsky.

Ontario has funded a program of sign language interpretation for many years. Currently, the Ministry of Community and Social Services provides about $1.35 million per year to Ontario Interpreter Services (OIS), operated by the Canadian Hearing Society.

The Government of Ontario is now examining the potential for expanding funding for interpreter services.

I am aware of the challenges facing deaf people who require interpreter services, especially in emergency health encounters.

I understand that staff at the Ministry of Health has been considering options with regard to interpreting services, and I believe a decision on the options will be made in the near future.

Thank you for bringing your concerns, and those of your constituents, to my attention.

Sincerely,

Helen Johns
Minister

C. Ministry of Health

 

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