UCP cuts program to protect children from sexual predators

The UCP Government has cut a grant program specifically to protect children from sexual predators, according to a Ministry email provided to the NDP Official Opposition. 

The Protection for Sexually Exploited Children Act outreach program run by Wood’s Homes in Calgary will no longer be funded by the Ministry of Children’s Services, effective February 2020.

“As an Albertan, and as a parent, I am appalled,” said NDP Leader Rachel Notley. “This Premier has chosen to turn his back on children who are victims of sexual predators in order to fund his $4.7-billion-dollar corporate handout.”

The email also says other programs will be cut that are run by the Boys and Girls Club of Calgary as well as McMan Youth, Family and Community Services. These cuts come on top of a decision by the UCP to cut the age of eligibility for former foster kids from age 24 to 22.

“I really have to wonder how many vulnerable Albertans will be harmed by these horrendous cuts by the time this Premier and his Minister of Children’s Services are through,” said Rakhi Pancholi, Opposition Critic for Children’s Services. “This is all to pay for a corporate giveaway that isn’t creating jobs. This is absolutely shameful.”