Toronto - May 31, 2019 - Sara Singh, Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition NDP, says that Doug Ford’s decision to cuts supports for survivors of crime is cruel and will make it harder for people who are suffering to recover.

“Instead of supporting victims of crime, the Ford government is cutting millions of dollars that would have gone towards compensating victims of violent crime - money that covers things like funeral costs, physical therapy and loss of income,” said Singh.

“Advocates across the province are concerned about this government’s cuts and the new funding compensation model for victims and survivors.”

According to media reports, a victim of human trafficking was previously awarded the maximum amount of $25,000 entirely for pain and suffering. She planned to use this money to change her life, go back to school and support her two children. Now, with Doug Ford’s cuts to compensation, survivors like her will not be able to get the much needed services they deserve.

Singh put the question directly to the Ford government Thursday at Queen’s Park.

“Why is Doug Ford making it harder for victims and survivors of crime to access the supports they need for recovery?”

No clear answers have been provided by the Ford government.