This is a new petition we are getting signed to help the government of Ontario realize how urgent it is that they help caregivers with all aspects of the live-in caregiver program - not just one or two.
If you would like to be sent a PDF version of the petition to sign and return to us, please email us at info@cca-acaf.ca
If you have any comments you would like to make or to qualify your support, please post a reply to this blog entry below.
Prepared by the Canadian Caregivers Association440 Laurier Ave. West, Ste. 200, Ottawa, ON, K1R 7X6613.686.6218 | info@cca-acaf.ca | www.cca-acaf.ca
To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:
We, the undersigned, residents of Ontario wish to draw the attention of the Assembly to the following:
THAT insufficient instruction is provided for employers of live-in caregivers concerning the rights of their employees and provincial labour standards – providing a high-risk environment for the participants of the LCP (Live-In Caregiver Program)
THAT caregivers are provided with minimal support services and have no authority to depend upon for consultations regarding their placements or for the on-site inspection of their living/working conditions – leaving the voluntary oversight of placement agents/agencies as the central provider of such aid
THAT no program exists for the temporary housing of live-in caregivers without a valid work permit escaping conditions of abuse or maltreatment – perpetuating the vulnerability of racialized women
THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon the Assembly to ensure that legislation aimed at improving the condition of live-in caregivers in Ontario take into consideration the afore mentioned concerns, and that all participants in the labour relationship (employees, employers, and intermediaries) be given due attention. Furthermore, we call upon the Assembly to introduce these protections in concert with legislation already in-development, so as to demonstrate its sincerity in providing effective solutions.
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I had two nannies in the past, both were lying about their experience. I hired them from the Philippines but I found out that all their Resume was nothing than a big fat lie. When here, I could not adjust the salary or hold them responsible. They both left for jobs in Toronto, after 3 weeks.
ReplyDeleteIs the Ontario Govenment protecting the Employers in any way? we are Ontarians, as well. We are not cosporations, we can not afford going to the Philippines and interviewing the nannies. I have 3 children and I work full time. However the Government thinks I am an Employer and they expect us to have an HR Deprtment, an accountant and to make money out of this. Ontario Government, please help out the Families and the Children of Ontario!
Thank you, Antonia.
ReplyDeleteGiven that all participants in the program are human, it comes as no surprise that there are individuals who take advantage of others from every angle.
We are deeply concerned that the government's approach to the topic has been limited. Even with respect to caregivers, it appears they largely want to focus on fees and licensing, though neither has a direct connection to abuse in the workplace.
Ideally, the government would be as concerned about families as much as they are (now) caring for live-in caregivers. We are optimistic that any counseling and supervisory regime would provide equitable access for employers to register their deep concerns about employees that appear to be serial abusers of the system.
From a concerned family:
ReplyDelete----------
"What about the care givers that abuse their employers and steal from them. The ones that look after the elderly especially. They ignore their employers and spend the day on their cell phone............usually there is no other family member in the house with them.
I have had care givers write cheques out of my personal bank account and sign my name. etc...etc.,.."
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Dear family,
The truth of the matter is that no system is perfect. The problem, is that Ontario's could be a lot better. For caregivers, this means better protection and a stronger resource system. Today, these issues are more salient than ever and there is some real hope that effective change will come.
That families experience hardships under the program is another reality. The support systems we would like to see put in place would be able to distinguish between an abusive employer and a negligent caregiver. I hope that the government, provincially and federally, will listen - we have been saying that all participants in the program need to be protected for years.
-CCA/ACAF-