Newmarket Today welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected]. Please include your daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). This is a copy of a letter sent to York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson.
Re: York Region ousts LTC workers from council chambers after protest, Feb. 23, 2023.
Dear Mr. Wayne Emmerson,
I was the last person to speak to York Region council on the deputations regarding the long-term care budget Feb. 23.
When the CUPE workers began their chanting and council attempted to break session, you directed your comments directly at me, saying, “Brenda Talbot, your presentation didn’t go so well, did it?”
Sir, I am not a member of the CUPE union, however as a family member of a resident at the Newmarket Health Centre, I was asked to speak on their behalf. This being said, this was not my presentation and I had no idea as to what the CUPE members were about to do.
I know that you were not aware of this, however, even if you were, your comments toward me were unprofessional and unwarranted.
Sir, some things you are also not aware of are that I have witnessed firsthand the effects of the staffing shortages; I have seen how due to these shortages the level of care suffers. I truly do support these workers in their efforts to get more staff.
Also, on Monday, Feb. 20 at 12:50 a.m., I lost my mother at the Newmarket Health Centre. So you see, sir, not only was I nervous about speaking in front of you, I was also grieving. Your comments further distressed me.
I just wanted to make you aware of my position on this matter and how your comments made me feel.
Brenda Talbot
Newmarket
Newmarket
