Cabinet Shuffle Contradicts Commitment to Community Living

Premier Gordon Campbell announced changes in the provincial cabinet on Monday, June 23, 2008. The provincial government has turned its back on its agreement to put into action the community's vision of a having a seamless life-long system of support for children and youth with special needs, adults with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Premier's decision completely separates government responsibilities for children and youth with special needs from adult community living services by dividing the system into two Ministries:

  • Adult Community Living Services (and responsibility for Community Living BC[CLBC]) have been moved to the newly created Ministry of Housing and Social Development.
  • Responsibility for children and youth with special needs, including the programs for children with special needs currently at CLBC, have been moved back to the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

In a recent BCACL survey 92.9 per cent of people who responded across the province said that they believe CLBC should provide one seamless system of support for children and youth with special needs, adults with developmental disabilities and their families, across their lifespan.

Click here to read BCACL's June 24 press release, "Divided and Compromised: Cabinet Shuffle Contradicts Commitment to Community Living.”

Click on the links below for more information:
Summary of responsibilities for the new ministries
Provincial government's press release
Letter from Minister Christensen and Minister Coleman dated July 3, 2008
Letter to the Premier from BCACL President, Rory Summers
Letter from the Premier dated July 7, 2008

Cabinet Shuffle: Community Living in the Media

BCACL has received countless letters and e-mails from individuals, families, and community organizations who support the vision of a lifelong seamless system of support for children and youth with special needs, adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Our deep concern over the impact of the recent cabinet shuffle and the division of child and adult services is echoed throughout the public's response. We are continuing to advocate for the return of children"s services to Community Living BC, and are seeking your support through this campaign.

Recent media coverage demonstrates the significance of this shift in the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families. Please find the documents linked below:



We have yet to hear from Premier Campbell on his plans to build the best system of support through public consultation and dialogue. We urge you to take action on this important issue.

It's not too late to be heard!

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Write a letter to the editor of the Vancouver Sun responding to the op ed written by Michael Prince and Tim Stainton at sunletters@png.canwest.com or fax it to 604-605-2522, or send it to:

Vancouver Sun
Letters to the Editor
#1-200 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC
V6C 3N3

Or write a letter to the editor of the Times Colonist responding the op ed at letters@tc.canwest.comor fax it to250-380-5353, or send it to:

Victoria Times Colonist
Letters to the Editor
Box 300
Victoria, BC
V8W 2N4

Also, tell the Premier why a life-long, seamless system of community living supports is important to you. Make your voice heard. Click here for contact information.