VANCOUVER – The Liberals released a long awaited report Thursday that acknowledges many of the shortcomings in the community living sector the government previously denied, say New Democrats.
“When the Liberals chose to consistently deny that Community Living B.C. (CLBC) was in trouble, causing great suffering for individuals and families living with development disabilities, the New Democrats made addressing the crisis its top priority inside and outside the legislature,” said New Democrat leader Adrian Dix.
”The Liberals finally admitted today that there were many problems under CLBC, including the failure to manage waitlists and clients arbitrarily losing services because they turned 19 even though their needs remained the same – all problems they spent years dismissing,” said Dix.
“The recommendations that will be implemented on the basis of these findings equal a partial victory for CLBC clients, families, and advocates. We are pleased with some of the measures that will be taken, including expanding the role of B.C.'s Child and Youth Representative to advocate for clients who transition from the Ministry of Children and Families to CLBC.
“New Democrats will remain vigilant though about ensuring this is followed by more substantial changes, and that the February budget delivers more resources on an annual basis,” added Dix. “This cannot be a temporary fix to a political problem for the government in advance of an election. There is too much at stake for families, and many more steps need to be taken to restore confidence in CLBC.”
The reports show that the government failed to build a coherent system, and allowed CLBC to abandon its core responsibility for delivering appropriate services for clients with developmental disabilities and their families.
Nicholas Simons, the New Democrat critic for CLBC, says the report confirms the need to maintain the pressure to ensure long lasting systemic change occurs.
“It shows that conflict of interest was pervasive in CLBC, and the government is still unable to provide an accurate number of how many people are awaiting services,“ said Simons.
Simons also said that the need for an independent review still exists to rebuild trust between clients and the agency charged with delivering them services.
“The report was undertaken by the government for the government. But for the system to be rehabilitated, clients, families and advocates need to play a central role.”
“For years the government was dismissive of the problems CLBC clients and their families were facing,” added social development critic Shane Simpson. The reviews do not address the government's ongoing denials of the crisis in the community living sector.”