ARCH Bulletin on COVID-19: Bill 175 Connecting People to Home and Community Care Act 2020 May Soon Become Law

Bill 175 May Soon Become Law
ARCH Disability Law Centre and many other disability rights organizations made oral and written submissions to the Government Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly about the negative effect Bill 175,Connecting People to Home and Community Care Act 2020 will have on persons with disabilities if it becomes law.  To review ARCH’s written submissions, go to: 
www.archdisabilitylaw.ca/resource/submissions-on-bill-175
Last week (June 22 – 26, 2020) the government majority did not accept the more than 20 recommendations made to improve Bill 175.The government is on a break from June 29 – July 3, 2020.  When it comes back on July 6, 2020, Bill 175 will be voted on and will likely become law.
However, it is not too late to let the government know your concerns about Bill 175.  Contact your Member of Provincial Parliament to raise issues about the Bill before July 6, 2020.  You can refer to ARCH’s submissions for ideas about issues.  These include:
•	Bill 175 is not focussed on persons with disabilities and their supports and services;
•	Persons with disabilities were not consulted about this Bill.  It does not reflect important problems that you face;
•	Key issues, like the Bill of Rights, will now be in Regulations and not in the law.  This could reduce your right to services provided with quality, dignity and competence;
•	Bill 175 opens the door to more privatized service delivery.
To find out who your MPP is, or to contact them, go to:
www.ola.org/en/members
ARCH urges you to use this small window of time to make sure your concerns are known.
Persons with disabilities who live in Ontario can call ARCH for free, confidential legal information and summary advice. To find out about the kind of legal advice ARCH provides and how to book an appointment, please use the following link: http://archdisabilitylaw.ca/services/ 
Information provided in these materials is not intended to be legal advice. Consult a lawyer or legal worker if you need legal advice on a specific matter. This information is current as of June 29, 2020. 
(416) 482-8255 (Main) 1-866-482-ARCH (2724) (Toll Free)
(416) 482-1254 (TTY) 1-866-482-ARCT (2728) (Toll Free)
www.archdisabilitylaw.ca