Dulnuan case triggers demands for LCP changes

Dulnuan case triggers demands for LCP changes

TORONTO – Peggy Nash, MP (NDP) for Highpark-Parkdale, will table a motion for changes in the Live-in-Caregiver Program later this week.

This move, which anticipates positive support from legislators of other political parties, was prompted by the community’s clamor for justice for Jocelyn Dulnuan, and for changes in the live-in-caregiver program.

In a related development, Cheri DiNovo, MPP (NDP), is holding a press conference also this week to announce an introduction of a motion in the Ontario legislature, pushing for the strict implementation of the Employment Standards Act in the caregivers’ workplaces, their employers’ homes.

Meanwhile, Jason Kenney, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity), had recently conveyed an interest in holding a roundtable on this issue.

This was learned during a press conference that followed a memorial service, titled “Tribute to Jocelyn” organized by Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board Trustee Luz del Rosario, and Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre, in collaboration with Community Alliance for Social Justice (CASJ) and the Jocelyn Dulnuan Support Committee (JDSC).

The memorial service was conducted by Msgr. Expedito Joano and Fr. Ariel Dumaran.

Dulnuan, 27, was murdered in her employer’s mansion in Mississauga Oct. 1, 2007. A statement issued by Peel Police for the Mississauga event, read by Del Rosario, stated that the case remains their top priority.

Support from various community organizations for the LCP campaign has increased, following the series of forums and symposia where former and present live-in-caregivers had aired their complaints about the onerous provisions in the program that have made them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation by employers and agencies. Some live-in caregivers had described their existence as “modern-day slavery,” where they have been made to work long hours without pay. Some had expressed concerns about health and safety in their live-in working environment.

A national parliamenetary investigation into the working and living conditions of caregivers was proposed at the Mississauga event. –MAG

Major demands of the campaign for changes in the Live-In Caregiver Program:

1. Remove live-in requirement

2. Immediate landed status for caregivers and family

3. Remove one employer requirement

4. Implement Employment Standards Act in workplace

5. Access to all services available to landed residents

6. Canada to sign UN Convention for the Protection of the Rights and Welfare of Migrant Workers and their Families