Petition Statement: "We, the parents, guardians, and caregivers for special needs children and adults, demand that the Ontario government makes special needs transportation a fully or partially tax-exempt service." Background: My goal is to provide relief and flexibility to those who pay for the transportation costs for special needs adults and children. Current government policy has frozen funding for the special needs population. This is creating a difficult situation for everyone responsible for paying for Special Needs transportation. By ignoring the reality of rising fuel and insurance costs, this population is forced to endure an even more harsh reality... • Cutting back on their valuable day program time, which for parents means leaving their work early or paying more for caregivers • Cutting back on after school programs • Less respite time for parents • The challenge of dropping off their loved ones AND being at work on time, because they cannot afford their transportation service • A more restricted household budget The need for transportation for certain areas is fundamentally an essential service. Especially for families who live in areas where programs are nearly non-existent (even in the G.T.A.!). Some families have the unenviable position of having to send their kids across the city to program or workshop able to take them. If you believe that parents, caregivers, agencies and transportation companies need a break from this unfair tax; then please support my petition and help me try to help them. Thanks, Rob Silva Beaver Transportation Services Ltd.