Press Release

COMMITTEE TO REMEMBER KIMBERLY ROGERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday October 28, 2002

The Committee to Remember Kimberly Rogers is angered that the Ontario Ministry of Community, Family and Children's Services has not requested legal standing at the coroner's inquest into the death of Kimberly Rogers taking place in Sudbury.

Brenda Elliott is the minister of community, family and children's services.

“The ministry's absence signals its appalling disregard for the effects of its welfare policies on the citizens of Ontario,” said Laurie McGauley, spokesperson for the committee.

“Why doesn't the provincial government understand that it is wrong to sentence someone to house arrest, then make that person ineligible for any assistance except charity? Are they concerned at all about the fate of people subjected to their policies?

“Does the minister believe that a legal representative of her ministry should not have a role at these proceedings because the focus of the inquest is someone who collected social assistance? The treatment of Kimberly Rogers would not be allowed for any other segment of our population.

“The Committee to Remember Kimberly Rogers issues a challenge to Ms. Elliott to seek standing and defend their welfare policies that affected the life of Ms. Rogers.”

Ms. Elliott must act now to remedy circumstances her government created.

The Committee to Remember Kimberly Rogers through its Justice with Dignity Campaign, knows the minister must start by:

• Set benefits at adequate levels.
  
  
• Increase funds for training and employment programs to pre-1995 levels (adjusted for cost of living).
  
  
• Allow social assistance recipients to receive both social assistance and student loans.
  
  
• Repeal the lifetime ban after a conviction of welfare fraud.
  
  
• Eliminate restrictions that make it difficult for people in need to qualify.
  
  
• Stop violating Canada's human rights commitments and international treaty obligations.

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Contact:
Laurie McGauley Phone (705) 674-0282
Peter Desilets Phone (705) 671-2439
Committee to Remember Kimberly Rogers