OPSEU to hold protest rally at MPP Brad Duguid's constituency office

When:	12:00 noon
	Friday, Nov. 20, 2015
Where:	MPP Brad Duguid's constituency office
	2063 Lawrence Avenue East, Scarborough

TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2015 /CNW/ - The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities is closing Scarborough's Employment and Training Service office.  OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said that closing this office makes no sense - it is the busiest ministry office in Ontario.  "It means taking community programs and community development workers out of the community," Thomas said.

Most of the ministry's Scarborough employees live and work in Scarborough. They know the community and its needs because they are neighbors of those who use the services. The office is downstairs from the social services office, which also supports many of their clients. This helps clients get better service.

Closing the Scarborough office will force the people who rely on their education and training programs to travel for services. "Easy access to programs encourages participation," said Ian Shaw, a steward from OPSEU Local 585. "Without access, many clients will lose hope of getting the training and support they need to go back to work. They need a human connection to help them through a difficult transition."

This is why OPSEU is fighting the closure by reminding MPP Brad Duguid that his job is to represent his constituents and that education and training programs for Scarborough residents belong in Scarborough.

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Ian Shaw, Scarborough Community Development Officer, OPSEU Steward Local 585, [phone]