Workers with agencies providing services for people living with intellectual disabilities will see a hike in minimum wages to $12.50 an hour starting Jan. 1, 2015, and to $13.00 an hour in July 2015, followed by a third increase in 2016 that is currently being negotiated. This announcement was made by Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross.
“The work done by staff at community living agencies for adults with intellectual disabilities is incredibly important,” Minister Irvin-Ross said. “The wage increase will help recognize the value of the work and help smaller agencies and rural agencies hire, train and keep staff.”
The higher minimum wages were made possible by an investment of $6 million over three years, the minister said. The workers support people with intellectual disabilities, helping them live safely and with as much independence as possible in community residential settings, the minister added.
A committee comprised of agency, union and government representatives was established to guide the development of the fund. The work of this committee is continuing and will focus on developing training requirements, reviewing agency administrative structures and ensuring the efficient use of funds by agencies, Minister Irvin-Ross said.
The minister noted the community living disability services program has been working closely with agency and community stakeholders on ways to help make the program more equitable, transparent and accountable, with a focus on high quality service. Improving wages is one more step in helping to make the program sustainable for the long term, the minister added.
