A Halifax shelter provider is shocked and devastated after the province gave their staff just 30 minutes to vacate their two modular sites.
Out of the Cold Community Association has one location on Cogswell Street and the other, on Church Street – together they house more than 60 people.
In a statement posted on their social media Friday, the Board of Directors for the association said it was on Tuesday when their staff was told to leave their property by members from the department of opportunities and social development, and they were handed a letter.
The board said the letter outlined “several critical concerns” that “have not been addressed”, or “inconsistently or insufficiently addressed.”
However, the board said, they had not been approached about any of these concerns, prior and had been working “tirelessly” over the past year putting government policies in place.
“We are deeply concerned that the way this has transpired and a potential change in model will have severe consequences for the population OTC has been honoured to serve for almost two decades,” said the statement.
The board stressed, they are also very angered for their 42 staff members who are a “skilled and dedicated team of employees”.
“They do amazing and compassionate work in an environment that can be volatile and challenging, and do not deserve such treatment,” said the board.
They added, they will make sure employees will be paid for hours worked, vacation and severance.
Minister cites safety concerns
The contract between Out of the Cold and the province was set to expire on August 8.
Scott Armstrong, the minister of opportunities and social development, told reporters Thursday, they made the decision to move to a new service provider, because of safety concerns, claiming staff had been raising alarm bells for years.
He said, there had been numerous meetings between the province and OTC staff and safety concerns were not resolved.
“It’s the responsibility of our department working with our service providers to make sure that all residents are treated with dignity [and] respect. But, one of the things that rings true with me is we have to first make sure they’re safe,” said Armstrong.
He added, there was illegal activity happening regarding substance abuse, but they need to respect the residents’ personal choices and provide services they need.
The Atlantic Community Shelter Society will take over the operations.
Armstrong said they are a “proven service provider” and are hoping for a smooth transition with no changes to the service model.
Union calls for emergency press conference
The union representing the staff at Out of the Cold are holding an emergency press conference and rally at Province House, early next week.
According to SEIU Local 2 they will “launch the demands” of the terminated workers.
It will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday.
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