Disability Services in Region Brace for ‘Catastrophic’ Challenges
Staffing Crisis Looms Over Developmental Services in Northwestern Ontario
THUNDER BAY — Developmental services in Northwestern Ontario are on the brink of a major staffing crisis due to the exclusion of the developmental service worker (DSW) program from Canada’s post-graduate work permit program.
The Thunder Bay Family Network is sounding the alarm, emphasizing the dire consequences of this decision. Sharon Bak, the organization’s president, expressed shock and dismay after learning that the DSW program was among those excluded from the federal program changes announced in January.
“If the government doesn’t reverse this decision, our community will face a catastrophic scenario,” Bak warned.
International students make up about 80% of the DSW program at Confederation College. Without access to post-graduate work permits, these students will be unable to stay and work in Canada after graduation, leaving a significant gap in the workforce.
“This decision is like pouring fuel on an already raging fire in Ontario’s developmental services sector,” Bak said. She pointed out the unique challenges faced by the region, including its isolation, a smaller workforce compared to larger urban centers, and the reliance on a single college offering the DSW program.
On Tuesday, the Thunder Bay Family Network hosted a town hall to bring attention to the issue, with participation from agencies like Options Northwest, Ontario Autism Coalition, George Jeffery Children’s Centre, Wesway, and Confederation College.
“We need to highlight the essential role developmental service workers play. There’s already a significant workforce gap, and this profession is both noble and crucial,” Bak said.
She emphasized the urgency of including the DSW program in the work permit list, as next year’s permits will be issued by mid-January.
The developmental services sector supports individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, and other conditions, and any further strain on the workforce could have devastating consequences for vulnerable communities.
