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Protesters demand province reverese Michener decision

In light of the Alberta government’s plan to close Michener Centre, a decision that will put her sister out of the home she has known most of her life, Lee Kvern too has a plan — to evict Frank Oberle and Allison Redford from their respective homes.

In light of the Alberta government’s plan to close Michener Centre, a decision that will put her sister out of the home she has known most of her life, Lee Kvern too has a plan — to evict Frank Oberle and Allison Redford from their respective homes.

Kvern’s decision, made without consultation or discussion, comes with promises of close consultation with the families of the associate minister of Services for Persons with Disabilities and the premier as they are moved into community group homes. The move, says Kvern, is to ensure the two governors can enjoy community inclusion to the fullest and, through walking “a mile in public shoes,” thrive and enjoy a greater quality of life.

Though the Okotokian’s “plan” is not likely to come to fruition, Kvern is continuing with her mission to get Oberle and Redford to reverse their government’s decision to close the long-standing Red Deer home for the developmentally disabled. And while she is choosing to attend a rally against the move in Edmonton on Saturday rather than attending the one in Red Deer Thursday, about 100 people did congregate at the intersection of Gaetz Avenue and 32nd Street on a cold, drizzly afternoon for the third rally in six weeks protesting the centre’s closure.

Protesters waved union flags, wore blue Michener t-shirts and held lawn signs calling for a decision reversal. Stan Horodyski was there because, as he ages, he sees the necessity to have proper care available to all those who need it.

Horodyski, of Sylvan Lake, has supported a campaign to get a care centre for that community, but has seen how hard it is to get something built new.

“This (Michener) is something established. It’s been here; it’s done marvellous work. This is something you don’t break down, you don’t try to dismantle,” said the 76-year-old.

AUPE president Guy Smith said the fight to close the facility and move 125 residents into group homes and seniors care facilities will continue in earnest.

One of the strategies of family members of Michener residents, through The Society of Parents and Friends of Michener Services, has been non-compliance, boycotting meetings with Oberle and not co-operating with “transition teams.” It is a strategy the AUPE supports, said Smith.

“I really respect that. They care deeply about their loved ones who live at Michener. They know the value of Michener. If that’s what family members are doing as part of their strategy, we fully support that. It’s like being a conscientious objector to not being bullied. They refuse to be bullied, and we respect that,” he said while traffic driving by honked their support to the demonstrators.

Also speaking at the rally, NDP MLA David Eggen said with Alberta being a rich province with a growing population, the government should be able to continue supporting Michener Centre and its residents.

The progress of gathering signatures for a petition protesting the closure is continuing. So far 10,000 signatures have been gathered.

The AUPE has planned another rally against provincial cuts to coincide with the Progressive Conservatives’ policy conference on Saturday in Edmonton. A bus will be leaving from the iHotel in Red Deer at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday to take people to the rally from 12-2 p.m.

Anyone wishing to attend for free must register by calling 1-800-232-7284.

Anyone interested in a ‘Keep Michener Open’ lawn sign can call or text Jenna at 403-506-6650 or email jenna.baynes84@gmail.com.

mfish@www.reddeeradvocate.com