During Pickton Trial, Harper Govt Cuts Funding Of Rehab Centre In Vancouver's Do

"Here we have young women, who because of this program can get off the streets and seek the help they need to rebuild their lives. This government denies them this opportunity. "When are we going to come together as a civil society and say we have had enough of an uncaring government?” Fry further stated. “Once again the Conservatives are playing games with groups most in need, by making cuts to summer youth employment and literacy programs, closures across Canada of Status of Women offices and now this. "These women will be out on the street without the care and shelter that Young Wolf Lodge provides” Fry concluded. Young Wolf Lodge is one of hundreds of shelters across Canada that finds themselves in similar circumstances with the Tory government. With a promise made last year by the current Government of increased funding, groups now find themselves scrambling to keep their doors open while waiting for the delayed replacement funding. The Government is yet to clarify a new funding program, or how the application process will work. Shelters will be expected to submit proposals causing even greater delay. In a statement last week, the Greater Vancouver Regional District predicts as many as 23 social programs in the Lower Mainland could be affected by this cut. Prior to being elected in 1993, Dr. Fry practiced medicine in British Columbia and was president of the BCMA. She previously served as Secretary of State For Multiculturalism & Status of Women for 6 years in the Liberal cabinet and is currently the Opposition Critic for Sport and the 2010 Olympics. For additional information, please contact: Barb Snelgrove (Vancouver Office) Alec Morrison (Ottawa Office) Tel : 604-666-0651 Tel: 613- 992-3213 Fax: 604-666-0114 Fax:613-995-0056 barb.snelgrove@hedyfry.com The Honourable Hedy Fry, P.C., M.P. [Proofreader's note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on February 2, 2007]