BC Community Living Action Group marks 7th anniversary of Christy Clarks move to create CLBC, as unfulfilled promises leave vulnerable families, adults waiting
Seven years ago, BC's Deputy Premier and Minister for Children & Families, Christy Clark, introduced legislation to establish Community Living BC, promising that the new authority would change the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families for the better.
Today, BC Community Living Action Group is speaking up on behalf of families across the province to note that her 2004 promises remain unfulfilled, with fewer options and opportunities, cuts, denial of support and growing alarm over the safety, health and quality of life of vulnerable adults and families.
-I'm pleased to introduce Bill 45, the Community Living Authority Act. This bill introduces groundbreaking legislation which will transform how community living services are provided to individuals with developmental disabilities in British Columbia... This legislation gives British Columbians with developmental disabilities and their families better options and more opportunities in their communities. They'll be able to look forward to a safer, healthier and better quality of life."
... Debates of the Legislative Assembly (Hansard) May 19, 2004
The anniversary coincides with Ms. Clarks mandate to return to the Legislature as British Columbias new Premier and MLA for Vancouver Point Grey. To mark the event, BC Community Living Action Group (BC CLAG) partners will visit the Legislature on May 18 to remind Premier Clark that families are waiting for her promises to be honoured.
Community living stakeholders came together in an unprecedented consensus to form BC CLAG in 2010, prompted by growing concerns about cuts to and erosion of services and supports. In April, BC CLAG issued a report explaining the serious challenges in community living and offering practical solutions. Our group reached out and invited Premier Clark and her new Minister for Community Living, Harry Bloy, to work with us to ensure their promises to BC families would be honoured.
Minister Bloy has dismissed the concerns and recommendations shared by families and stakeholders through BC CLAG. Our request to meet remains unanswered. So BC CLAG is reaching out again to stress that families are still waiting and will continue to urge Premier Clark and Minister Bloy to honour the promises made seven years ago.
Or contact the following BC CLAG representatives: