QASL
44 Pleasant street B0T 1P0 Milton, NS, Canada

ANNOUNCEMENT OF TENTATIVE SETTLEMENT Queens Association for Supported Living (QASL) is pleased to announce that we have reached a tentative collective agreement with members of CUPE 4963. QASL has a long history of good labour relations and after 15 months of bargaining, we reached a mutually satisfactory agreement. Together, we were able to resolve all matters involving vocational instructors and residential counsellors. ... Vocational and residential employees have always been part of two different pension plans. In 2019, the vocational employees participated in a voting process that resulted in plan members voting 98% in favour of moving to another provincial pension plan based on the previous plan’s unstable financial position. Based on this vote, the Union signed a transfer agreement supporting the decision and permitting the transfer to proceed. We respect our employees and the process and want to assure our community that we upheld all regulations outlined in the Pension Benefits Act and involved vocational employees every step of the way. Public trust in QASL is important to all of us who work and volunteer for the organization, which is why we’re grateful to be sharing the news that we’re maintaining our longstanding collegial working relationship with all employees. We want to assure our clients, residents and their families that QASL is committed to supporting our front-line employees, who are the backbone of this organization. We value their work immensely, and together, our organization continues to provide outstanding services for the people we support and the community. Sincerely, Treena Dexter, Executive Director, QASL

To all QASL Stakeholders - Please read the attached statement from Treena Dexter - Executive Director. Thank you.

December 3rd each year has been deemed The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) by the United Nations, beginning in 1992. IDPD aims to promote ...an understanding of disability issues and mobilize supports for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities. Wondering how to observe this day? > Become an advocate - speak up when you witness or notice an accommodation that can be fix to create a more inclusive environment. > Lend a hand - look for opportunities to volunteer or just offer to help with needed tasks. >Show some compassion - practice patience and understanding. Did you know - 15% of the worlds population or 1 billion people are living with disability. The theme for the 2020 year is: "Not All Disabilities are Visible" This year's theme is a true reflection of the need to remove barriers for all, not just the physical. #InclusionForAll #notalldisabilitiesarevisible See more

Announcement to our Supporters As some of you know, QASL hosts an annual fundraising event to raise money in support of our client programs and activities. Due to circumstances around COVID-19, planning the QASL Annual Fall Gala was not possible. We are extremely disappointed to announce the event will not take place this year. COVID-19 has presented many challenges for non-profit organizations such as QASL. In the interest of public health and safety, we were ordered ...to close our vocational services and social enterprises. Although we are back up and running, our business revenue is down significantly. We rely on this revenue for operational needs, capital improvements and growth of our businesses businesses that provide meaningful work-skills training and employment as well as a valuable service to the community. We are thankful for the ongoing funding support of the Nova Scotia Government’s Department of Community Services, the Nova Scotia Small Business Impact Grant and Small Business Re-Opening and Support Grant, the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program as well as donations from individuals and community businesses. Click on the attachment if you would like to help QASL provide opportunities and choices to people with diverse abilities by donating to our programs and services. https://www.canadahelps.org//queens-association-for-commu/

you are not JUST a support worker.