New Funding a Small Step Forward

New Westminster, B.C, September 14, 2011 - The BC Association for Community Living (BCACL) is cautiously optimistic by the Provincial Government’s recent announcement of $6 Million in new funding and $2.9 Million in reallocated funding for Community Living BC (CLBC). The announcement is a far cry from the $70 million that is required to address the needs of families and individuals who are not receiving the supports they need and is only good news if it is the beginning of a genuine commitment by the provincial government to addressing the issues.

“This investment is encouraging but it won’t begin to stem pressures in the system,” says Faith Bodnar, BCACL Executive Director. “Every day we hear from families who are in crisis. We hope that this money is part of a larger vision that that will address the uncertainty, desperation, vulnerability and real suffering that families are experiencing.”

While this small amount of money will help alleviate the pressure felt by some families who are in crisis, a bigger strategy and commitment is needed to ensure that this in fact giving families and individuals what they need to live a good life in community. Otherwise it is a band-aid approach that does not make good economic sense in the long-term.

Budget cuts and “service redesign” have resulted in the exclusion of family voices in decisions that affect their lives. We are still waiting for leadership from the provincial government to ensure that families and individuals are served by a system that honours and respects their experiences and voices.

- 30-