Dr. Swann: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Today in the House we have roughly a hundred guests whose quality of life has been negatively affected because of government changes to the persons with developmental disabilities program. 

They have sent me the following basic questions they want asked to the Premier. To the Premier: what did the province do with the $1,403.60 raised at a bottle drive in January and delivered here on February 10?

Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, this government is committed to supporting adults with developmental disabilities, and we’re also committed to ensuring that the program that we have in place is sustainable for years to come to support all Albertans with developmental disabilities. The PDD program continues to be well funded. I believe it’s in the area of about $600 million.

Any of the other details with respect to the program the minister responsible can answer.

Dr. Swann: Well, again to the Premier. According to the Seniors and Community Supports business plan and budget for 2010 the total estimate for direct operations for PDD, their community boards, is $15.8 million. How many individuals would this support?

The Speaker: The hon. minister.

Mrs. Jablonski: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The PDD program is very important to this government and to all MLAs in this Assembly. I know that first-hand because I’ve heard from many of them. I’m committed to this program, and I can tell you that with the direct program we have for our people with developmental disabilities, in Michener I know we have approximately 270 people that are served in that program.

Dr. Swann: Well, again, Mr. Speaker, we’re looking for some evidence that this money is being spent on the delivery of care to persons with developmental disabilities. What does the $119 million under supports to delivery system pay? What does it pay for, and why is there such a large difference in how this is allocated across the six PDD regions?

Mrs. Jablonski: Mr. Speaker, the PDD program that we have here in Alberta is one of the very best in Canada. This program and our budget show our commitment to people with developmental disabilities. The goal of the program is to help our people with developmental disabilities to live the most independent and the best life that they can live. I’d like to quote my friends from the Camrose Association for Community Living where they say: our purpose is to help our friends with developmental disabilities live their best life.

Alberta Hansard, February 24, 2010

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