On Nov., 18, 2013, the Red Deer Advocate ran an article regarding the moving of two individuals from Michener Centre.
It is important to clarify that this move is not unusual — the families of Michener have always had the option to remain or to leave.
This decision, however, has always been one of choice.
Unfortunately, as a result of the Redford government’s recent decisions, the choice for many of the families to remain at Michener will not be an option — they will be forced to leave against their will.
This brings me to the issue of choice.
Paramount to any discussion regarding Michener is the acceptance of choice.
This was clearly recognized and accepted by past governments in the Moving Ahead Report, that “no one would be forced to leave Michener.”
Understand that this was not a promise simply made over a few cups of coffee, frivolously decided in a matter of minutes.
This was a promise based on two years of intense and transparent dialogue.
This was a promise that involved two former CEOs of Central PDD and the current chair of Central PDD — careers that, taken together, represent decades of service and understanding of the needs of persons with developmental disabilities.
This was a promise that respected choice.
Premier Alison Redford’s government has callously broken the promises made in the Moving Ahead Report.
What is appalling, is that neither Ms Redford, nor her Minister of Human Services, Dave Hancock, has taken the time to visit Michener.
Instead, they have placed this responsibility in the hands of an Associate Minister, Frank Oberle, an individual whose principal expertise is in forestry — an individual who in his own words has stated “I don’t have any background in this area, but it certainly will broaden my horizons.”
How can a decision that affects Alberta’s most vulnerable be made by those who have limited knowledge of persons with developmental disabilities?
The Redford government has repeatedly stated that the closure of Michener is not about money.
In fact, it has gone on record as insisting that its closure will cost more than it will save.
The question now begs to be asked: if it is not about money, then what is this about?
Simply put: ideology.
The Redford government wishes to close Michener to satisfy the ideology of a few.
This self-serving ideology has been acknowledged but never accepted by past governments.
The Redford government has chosen to impose an ideology that removes the basic principle of choice.
It has done so unilaterally, without consulting those most affected. This is not acceptable.
The Redford government must be held accountable for its actions and honour the promises made to the families of Michener.
Until such time, the families of Michener will continue to fight this wrong.
Bill Lough
President
The Society of Parents and Friends
of Michener Centre