Liberal Party Disability Critic's News Release on Ontario Human Rights Commission's New 2001 Disability Policy Guidelines dd March 22, 2001

NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Liberal Disability Critic's News Release

LIBERAL CRITIC LIKES NEW HUMAN RIGHTS DISABILITIY GUIDELINES BUT WHERE IS THE MONEY IS FOR ENFORCEMENT?

March 22, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Queens Park- Today in to response to the new Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) Disability Guidelines, Ernie Parsons, Opposition Critic for Persons with Disabilities and MPP for Prince Edward-Hastings stated these new rules would be a step forward if the Commission had the promised money to enforce them.

Despite his promise to increase the Commission's budget, Mike Harris has repeatedly cut its funding. In 1995 the OHRC budget was $12.4 million. It will be $11.2 million for this year.* In the 1995 Ontario provincial election, Mike Harris promised he would give the money saved from dismantling the EEC to the Human Rights Commission. On its party website, the Ontario PCs boasts that the Harris government saved taxpayers $11.3 million by eliminating the Employment Equity Commission (EEC)..

"I think may be the PCs should re-name this website to "Promises Made to Get Elected, Promises We Don't Intend to Keep", Parsons commented.

"Protecting existing rights established by the Ontario Human Rights Code and ensuring the Commission has the ability to carry out its responsibilities must be a priority of this government if it is honestly committed to removing barriers for persons with disabilities and all disadvantaged groups", Parsons declared.

*Figures derived from public accounts committee submissions

For more information, call Ernie Parsons, MPP 416.325.4700

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Contact: Ernie Parsons, MPP (416) 325-4700