Charlottetown, June 25 2019 – Today, Dennis King’s minority government released its first provincial budget.
“This is certainly a status quo budget for PEI” said Leonard Gallant, president of CUPE PEI.
CUPE PEI is pleased this government is maintaining the previous administration’s investments in Education, such as 42 additional educational assistant positions. Unfortunately, the new minority government is also repeating some previous mistakes in long-term care services.
“Four million dollars in grants for private-sector long-term care beds is not a winning formula to improve senior care. A 100% public model, which is for the public, by the public, would be preferable,” said Gallant.
CUPE PEI notes the promised 100 new long-term care beds does not necessarily mean 100 new spots. “It will likely mean that current private providers receive more money to cover their existing beds that were not subsided, rather than new spaces,” said Gallant.
“I am disappointed the new Green MLAs did not push for general minimum wage increases in this budget,” said Gallant. “This certainly leaves a big hole in this government’s poverty reduction strategy,” concluded Gallant.