VICTORIA— An auditor general’s report shows the B.C. Liberals’ Integrated Case Management system (ICM) is an unfinished, dysfunctional mess that doesn’t accomplish what it set out to do, and fails to protect sensitive information about vulnerable children and their families.

“Instead of helping some of the most disadvantaged children in our communities, Christy Clark and the B.C. Liberals spent $182 million on a computer mess,” said Michelle Mungall, New Democrat spokesperson for social development. “British Columbians work hard for their money and want to see it help their communities, but the B.C. Liberals are wasting it on failed pet projects and mismanagement.”

“This computer system is a tremendous waste, and could actually be putting children in danger,” said New Democrat children and family development spokesperson Doug Donaldson. “It’s infuriating when B.C. Liberals waste crucial dollars while front-line workers, families and children are starved of much needed help to make lives better.

Auditor General Carol Bellringer found numerous problems with the dysfunctional ICM system. Key findings include:

• Two-thirds of the “antiquated” computer systems that were supposed to be replaced by ICM are still in operation.
• The ministry is not properly managing access to the system to protect sensitive information about children and families.
• The quality of information in the system is low, wasting time and money.