03/01/2024
Received this message this morning where it has been forwarded to the attention of media outlets and Politicians ….
Good morning,
I am writing to you today out of desperation, seeking help for a dire situation that is currently unfolding in North Eastern Ontario, specifically Timmins. As you may be aware, Canada is grappling with a Mental Health and Addiction crisis, and the situation in Timmins has been further exacerbated by the abrupt halt of all mental health and addiction services since February 13th, 2024.
The Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Paul Jalbert, has taken the drastic step of locking out 147 workers, resulting in over 1600 clients being left without the vital support they desperately need. This crisis is particularly alarming given that many of these individuals do not have family support and are considered high-risk. Tragically, we have already witnessed several lives lost to su***des and overdoses.
Some key points to note about Paul Jalbert and the current state of affairs:
• Mr. Jalbert has awarded himself a significant raise of $46,000 over the past three years.
• The organization is top-heavy with management, receiving substantial salaries, while frontline workers earn an average of $50,000. Frontline workers are not entitled to the same pension benefits as management.
• Mr. Jalbert is proposing concessions and clawbacks, specifically targeting Long Term Disability, shifting the financial burden onto employees. Workers are advocating for a fair and affordable defined pension plan for all members within the agency.
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The repercussions of this lockout extend beyond the workers themselves:
• Clients who depend on these services are left without access, with some being turned away or directed to the picket line.
• Tragically, there have been cases of clients resorting to su***de.
• Families, lacking the necessary coping skills, are feeling depleted and helpless.
• Workers on the picket line are making only $50 a day, facing financial hardship, mental and physical exhaustion, and stress.
• Workers have been exposed to harsh weather conditions, standing outside in temperatures as low as -37°C.
• City police have issued unjust fines, such as an $180 ticket to the vice-president of the union, further adding to the financial strain on the workers.
While our city mayor has stated that it is not her role to intervene, we have seen support from other politicians, including the mayor of Cochrane, who recognizes the severity of the situation. It is important to note that the mayor of Timmins, a proponent of the safe injection site, has allegedly been offered over $1 million for its continuation, raising suspicions of a potential conflict of interest by Paul Jalbert.
We implore you to help shine a spotlight on this urgent matter. Our city is in dire straits, with workers suffering greatly due to what should have been a brief lockout.
Thank you for your attention and assistance.
Please share.
