The B.C. Association for Community Living works with a variety of levels of government on issues affecting adults with developmental disabilities, children and youth with special needs, and their families.
In this section you will find a brief description of provincial government ministries that have responsibilities related to community living, and what concerns the BC Association for Community Living has regarding those responsibilities.
Each section also includes links to other BCACL pages that provide further information on the issues, and a link to the appropriate BCACL staff person if you would like to communicate with someone directly on a specific issue.
BCACL works in partnership with the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) on federal government issues that have an impact on people with developmental disabilities and their families at the national level. Our Federal page in this section gives further information and links you to the CACL website.
Please click here for Government of Canada's Guide to Services for People with Disabilities.
Update - February 18, 2009 - BCACL Applauds BC Government for Investing in the Lives of People with Developmental Disabilities
On February 17, the BC Government announced that it will be investing $73 million in new funding over the next three years for adults with developmental disabilities. A further $38 million has been invested over three years in children and youth with special needs. Click here for a more detailed analysis.
We are delighted to report that in all of the budget documents, speeches, and materials (powerpoints) etc., both the Premier and the Minister of Finance mentioned adults with developmental disabilities and children with special needs as important populations to protect. It is unusual to see this much attention accorded to our sector by government, and we believe this is in large measure due to the advocacy work of our federation.
Click here to read BCACL's press release.
Update - January 22, 2009 - BCACL Releases Pre-election campaign tool-kit - In preparation for the 2009 BC election on May 12, 2009, BCACL has released its election toolkit. We hope to put people with developmental disabilities on the election agenda.
Click here to download the fact sheets
Click here to download the election advocacy tool-kit
Click here to download 'Get the Vote Out' - a voting guide for self advocates
Update - September 4, 2008 - BC Provincial Budget Consultation Process Announced - Click here to Visit the Budget Consultation 2009 Section of the BCACL website.
The provincial government has announced its process to receive input into the 2009 provincial budget. Input can be provided in person, by completing an online questionnaire or by providing a written submission. Both individuals and organizations can provide input.
When: Public hearings run September 15 through October 16, 2008. Click here for a detailed schedule.
Where: Vancouver, Kitimat, Smithers, Fort St.John, Prince George, Williams Lake, Kamloops, Penticton, Cranbrook, Nelson, Courtenay, Langford, Abbotsford, Surrey, Burnaby and Coquitlam.
How to register: Contact the Office of the Clerk of Committees at 250-356-2933 or toll free at 1-877-428-8337 to reserve your presentation time.
Deadline: As the hearings fill up quickly, we encourage you to register to present in the community closest to you as soon as possible. Registration for the public hearings opens 14 days before each hearing date.
The hearing schedule and additional information can be found at http://www.leg.bc.ca/budgetconsultations/index.htm.
Update - June 23, 2008 - Provincial Cabinet Shuffle Contradicts Commitments to Community Living
Premier Gordon Campbell announced changes in the provincial cabinet on Monday, June 23rd. The changes include new ministries, ministers, and shifts in services and programs for people with developmental disabilities in B.C. All services for children and youth with special needs will be moved from Community Living BC (CLBC) into the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Further, CLBC has been moved to the newly-created, large and complex Ministry of Housing and Social Development. BCACL believes that the shuffle undermines the government's commitment and vision to provide a seamless, lifelong system of support for people with developmental disabilities. Click here to read the BCACL press release.
Click on the links below for more information:
Summary of responsibilities for the new ministries
Provincial government's press release
Update - BCACL preliminary budget analysis, February 2008
Click here to find a BCACL memo with a preliminary budget analysis for Community Living BC, the Ministry of Children and Family Development and the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance.
Update - Provincial Budget, February 2008
BCACL feels that the provincial government has not gone far enough in improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities with Budget 2008. Click here to read our press release issued February 20, 2008.
BCACL was present in Victoria at the Budget Lockup on February 19th in hopes of being reassured that government will respond to children and youth with special needs, adults with developmental disabilities and their families in crisis. Click here to read our media advisory released on February 18th. Click here to download BCACL's submission to the Select Standing Committee on Finance in October 2007.
Click here to go to the government's Budget 2008 page with information about the budget including Budget Highlights, slide presentations and backgrounders. Click here to access their news release about Budget 2008.
Read the transcript of the Throne Speech delivered on February 12, 2008.
Download two press releases on the Throne Speech from the Office of the Premier by clicking here and here.
Update - BCACL's Letter to Minister of Children and Family Development, February 2008
BCACL wrote a letter to Min. Christensen to reinforce some of our key concerns and follow up on our recommendations that came out of our meeting together. Click here to read the letter.
Update - BCACL's Letter to Minister of Finance, January 2008
BCACL wrote a letter to Min. Carole Taylor requesting an urgent meeting with her before Budget 2008-09 is announced, in order to explain the case for increased funding for community living supports and services. Click here to read the letter.