AUPE rallies in Red Deer
Posted Apr 10, 2013 11:22 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Alberta government’s decision to close Red Deer’s Michener Centre did not sit well with about 250 people in the community Wednesday.
The crowd protested at City Hall in favour of the care home for people with developmental disabilities.
NDP MLA David Eggen was among those in the crowd.
“Here’s a little bit of history for you, the Alberta New Democrats, the Wildrose Party and Alberta Liberals stand together in solidarity to save Michener Centre,” he yelled to the crowd.
The Alberta government plans to move 125 Michener residents to community group homes or seniors facilities.
Alberta Union of Provincial Employees president Guy Smith said the planned closure is another broken promise by Premier Alison Redford.
But not everyone is supportive of keeping the centre open.
Bruce Uditsky is the CEO of the Alberta Association for Community Living, and believes people with developmental disabilities have better lives away from institutions.
He said the approach of integrating individuals with the community isn’t new.
“I think it’s important to remember we’ve already done that for thousands in Alberta and there are many thousands more now who live and grow up in communities, so we’re fairly adept at doing this well, today,” said Uditsky.
Uditsky added people with developmental disabilities living in the community have more opportunities for education, friendships and potential to develop new skills.
