QUEEN’S PARK – Lisa Gretzky, Ontario NDP critic for Community and Social Services, said the Ford government must fix reimbursement backlogs in Ontario’s Passport Program, which provides vital supports to adults with developmental disabilities and their families.
Since March, families, service providers and brokerage agencies have been left to wait up to five weeks for reimbursements for services through the program, forcing families to pay for services out of pocket, and frontline workers to go weeks without pay.
“The services and supports families receive through the Passport Program are a lifeline," said Gretzky. "This program allows adults with developmental disabilities to participate in their communities, and gives families an opportunity to take a break from caregiving. The backlog in the system is causing families unimaginable stress and anxiety. Many agencies have been unable to pay their staff for over a month. If the delays continue, they will be forced to close their doors.
The Ford government needs to address the Passport backlog and provide clarity to families and agencies about when it will be resolved. Families, workers and service providers deserve better."