Blue Heron executive director Ralph Helder last week signalled an end to the funding controversy and promised people with disabilities: “We will not abandon you.”
He also told staff the prospect of layoffs had faded after the Alberta government heard the voice of popular protest in rallies, letters and song.
In a speech which struck a celebratory note, Helder backed new contracts now being offered service providers.
“It’s a good contract,” he said. “It puts the individual at the centre of what it is we do, which is where you belong.”
Helder added Blue Heron had been given much more time to focus on providing better and more efficient supports for those in need.
“The money situation has been taken off the table and I say hallelujah,” he said.
He was speaking at Blue Heron Support Services Association’s annual general meeting last Wednesday at the United Church, which attracted about 100 people.
Also giving reports were board chair Trudy Gammel and program director Diane Magill, who spoke confidently of a year ahead of change and challenges.
The meeting followed two months of controversy over Alberta government’s decision to cut $42 million from the community access category of the Persons with Developmental Disabilities program. It provoked uproar throughout the province.
It was feared Blue Heron – worst case scenario – could see a $1.6 million or 38 per cent cut to its budget, leading to about 40 job losses and affecting 60 clients.
Several rallies took place in Alberta. Blue Heron staff, individuals, parents, guardians and concerned community members added their voices to the protest.
Last week Helder seemed to wish to draw a line under the dispute while giving a pledge of support to individuals with disabilities.
“We are not going to abandon you, we are not going to abandon services, we are not going to abandon Blue Heron,” he said.
Helder said he first learned about the proposed funding reductions through an April 30 email, which told him not to panic.
The email, said Helder, created a united front as agencies worked to continue providing support for individuals; there were letters to papers, letters to politicians, and there was even a fantastic song bringing attention to the issue.
The impassioned response to the threat of cutbacks struck at the heart chords of those in government, said Helder.
“The government sat back and did a little introspection and said ‘what have we done wrong here?’. Your voices were heard and I think that is crucial.”
Helder said there was an important lesson in this: never stay silent when you believe something is going to harm you.
“You should speak out and be heard and you did a great job,” he declared.
It seemed clear that government realized there was a breakdown in communications, he added.
Helder said he had just had an opportunity to look at the new contract that service providers will be signing. He was greatly encouraged that the contract concentrates on individuals.
“We have a whole lot more flexibility, so we can focus our supports on the individual and what is best for you,” he said.
Helder said he appreciated how stressed individuals had been over the last few weeks. And he was keen to allay any lingering fears.
“I want you to walk away tonight knowing that you will be taken care of,” he said. “We are not looking any more at layoffs we were looking at originally.
“We will be looking at programs and focusing on how we can support you better and at the same time more efficiently. We now have more time to look at these issues. We have an extended length of time.”
Helder was fulsome in his praise of staff.
“You have to go an awful long way to find staff who do a better job of supporting you. We have a fantastic staff.”
He suggested Blue Heron could look confidently ahead.
“I think we can put to bed the uncertainty over the future of Blue Heron,” he said
Earlier board chair Trudy Gammel said it was wonderful to see such a good turnout at the AGM.
Setting the upbeat tone that pervaded the meeting, she praised the solidarity displayed during the recent standoff with government.
“We have a strength in the heart of people here that shone a light over the last two months,” she said.
“Everyone stood together with one voice and said ‘we want to continue, we want to do well, and we want to do that together.
“We are going to move ahead into next year and there will be changes. In an association that is growing and improving and going ahead there will always be changes.
“But as a board we want to assure you that those changes and improvements will come with the right kind of structure and support we give you. We will not change the way we value the people we serve. That will remain the focus.”
The program director Diane Magill presented some of the highlights over the years, including achieving level 1 and 2 accreditation in all service areas.
A database has also been implemented for managing information for individuals and employees, creating better efficiencies, she said.
The newly elected board members were named as Trudy Gammel, June 2016; Sandra Cober, June 2015; Bob Dodds, June 2016; Judy Melnyk, June 2015; Christine Villeneuve, June 2014; Sue Rees, June 2014; Theressa Smith, June 2015; and Albert Mast, June 2014.
