VDLC Raising Concerns Ahead of April 24 DTES Announcement

On April 23, the VDLC issued a media advisory titled “VDLC Raising Concerns Ahead of April 24 DTES Announcement” in response to news that Hon. Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction would be making an announcement about the DTES the following day. 

Attached to the advisory were a list of urgent actions needed to ensure fairness for DTES workers, and health and safety for workers and residents. The VDLC is also deeply concerned about the lack of worker consultation in the decision making process to-date. 

Read the Media Advisory and urgent actions document for more information. 

UPDATE 04/24/2020: 

Yesterday the VDLC issued a media advisory and a list of urgent actions needed to ensure that the COVID-19 response in the DTES puts fairness for frontline workers, and worker and resident health and safety at the forefront.

We also called for worker involvement in all decision making bodies and processes. It now appears that the announcement has been delayed and will not occur today as anticipated. This is an opportunity to engage in consultation with unions representing frontline workers and address their concerns.

We have inquired as to the timing of the anticipated announcement and whether the Minister will agree to meet with unions representing frontline workers in advance. We are currently awaiting a response to these inquiries.