MOMs marks Children’s Day, 20^th year of UN Convention, with petition urging BC Premier to honour promises to kids

NOV. 19, 2009:—This Friday, Nov. 20 marks the 20^th anniversary of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child – a date that is also celebrated annually in Canada and elsewhere as universal Children’s Day.

The MOMs provincial family support network, which has staged a series of actions in recent weeks to draw attention to BC families’ concerns about new cuts and ongoing gaps in critical services for children at risk, is marking the occasion by officially launching an online petition urging BC’s Premier to start living up to commitments made to BC’s vulnerable children.

The UN Convention, a legally binding instrument, states that “in all actions concerning children …the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.” Article 23 notes the obligation of signatory states to provide special supports for children with mental and physical disabilities “in a manner conducive to the child's achieving the fullest possible social integration and individual development.” Article 29, which deals with the right to a free public education, re-emphasizes the right to “development of the child's personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential.” Elsewhere, the Convention addresses the obligation of signatory states to support parents in meeting the needs of their children where families are unable to do so themselves.  

While the Convention acknowledges that state support will be shaped by available resources, nowhere does it suggest these supports should be way down on the list of national priorities, after political leaders and senior bureaucrats have enjoyed exorbitant pay and benefit increases and spent billions on hosting lavish events and costly physical infrastructure projects.   

Under Great Goal #3 of his Strategic Plan for BC, Premier Campbell implicitly acknowledged these commitments when he promised to “build the best system of support in Canada” for children with special needs and those at risk. It was a truly laudable goal – but one that was never honoured and that has now been forgotten.

While BC enjoyed record budget surpluses, waitlists for crucial supports grew longer, both in and out of school. Now Children’s Minister Mary Polak has cut millions, eliminating key programs for autism, FASD, infant and child development and Aboriginal children at risk. Other cuts include youth programs (mental health, addiction treatment), Special Olympics and funding for community-based children’s services. Polak also cut critical monitoring and oversight roles that assure children’s welfare and safety, and cut out important delivery options like direct funding. There was no risk assessment of impacts and these cuts accompany yet another major ministry re-structuring that will further strain capacity to support children at risk.

Just this week, a leaked Ministry memo revealed that the Ministry is already planning even deeper cuts targeting early intervention and community-based intervention for vulnerable children and youth in BC for 2010-11, in order to meet budget reduction targets.

Professionals, disability groups, families, community organizations, staff and ordinary citizens have pleaded with Premier Campbell, Minister Polak and their colleagues to reconsider the damage they are causing. Decades of research affirm the cost benefits of intensive early intervention and support for at-risk children – this offers real hope to struggling children and saves us all far more than it costs. For example, if families cannot cope with severely challenging children as a result of the cuts limiting access to therapy, the Ministry will be forced to assume professional 24/7 care for them, at a cost of $150,000 per child per year or more, possibly for the rest of their lives.

These cuts are not necessary – they’re about priorities that dishonour both the UN Convention and the Premier’s commitment under Goal #3. The revised BC budget commits $14 billion in new capital spending. Alberta spends twice as much on autism for fewer kids – and hasn’t cut this despite a far higher deficit. BC’s cuts will impose far higher costs on other ministries (education, housing, justice & social services). But Polak says this is the best we can do to help BC’s vulnerable children.

We disagree. These cuts are foolish, short-sighted, dishonourable and heartless. MOMs does not believe that denying supports to children in need and children at risk is consistent with the values that we hold as British Columbians. Since BC’s vulnerable children can’t speak up against these cuts, it is our job as parents and citizens to stand up for them. If enough British Columbians choose to speak up, government will have to respond. Remaining silent means turning our backs on each child in need.

We are therefore appealing to all British Columbians to join us by signing and circulating our petition urging Premier Campbell to honour the promises made to BC’s children by acting immediately to restore, protect and strengthen vital supports for all children in need and at risk.

Details of cuts, affected programs and our ongoing campaign at MOMs: http://MomsNetwork.ca 

MOMs media contacts: Cyndi Gerlach: 604 987-6608 h./ 604 831-6608 c. or momsonthemove@telus.net

Dawn Steele: 604 874-1416 h. /778 235-4998 c. or dawns@telus.net

(r. to l.): Stella Hui from the Autism Society of BC, Dawn Steele from MOMs and Lori Doucette from FAIR - photo courtesy of FEAT's Tandy Tam.

The rally sought to draw attention to the fragile nature of provincial autism services, which Children's Minister Mary Polak was able to wipe out on a mere whim. In addition to cancelling EIBI programs, Polak eliminated the direct funding option under the provincial autism program, to the deep frustration of many families who used that funding to support their own home-based ABA programs. As with EIBI cuts, there was no consultation over this change. 

Despite icy winds, the Nov 13 FEAT rally attracted a solid gathering of families and family groups. MOMS supported the rally and brought along our trusty campaign signs (which are standing up remarkably well to the rigours of street protests!)  Other groups represented included the Autism Society of BC and FAIR, the family group fighting Polak's plans to eliminate the EIBI autism programs. East Vancouver MLA Shane Simpson (NDP) attended to show support.

A beautiful sunrise in Victoria

Hi everyone,

What a great day and it's not even 10 am yet! 

MOMs wants to thank everyone who came together and contributed in so many ways to making this a success and to helping us get the message out about the importance of putting our money where our mouth is when it comes to putting BC's vulnerable kids first. It truly was a province-wide team effort and we couldn't have done it without literally hundreds of people who all came together to make it happen!

We forgot it would be so dark in Prince George!

We had at least 21 groups out across the province this morning (Sechelt contacted us last night to let us know they'd be joining in too!)

Lots of great media coverage too, helping to get the word out. I will start posting info, photos and video clips later.  If you're on Facebook, you can start sharing your own photos and video clips via our MOMS Facebook group (see link on the right of this page)

The honking big MOMs banner at Burrard

I was out with a terrific, lively bunch on the Burrard Bridge this morning, waving signs and our huge MOMS banner, with fabulous support from all the commuters going by - cars, bikes and pedestrians.

Then the teachers showed up bringing bagels!

In Victoria, a passing motorist came back with TimBits. In Abottsford, another parked his car and joined in.

Abbotsford crew on the H/way #1 overpass

How did it go in your community?

Use the Comments form below to let us know.

Add your voice

If you couldn't make it, you can still add your voice and urge Premier Campbell to live up to his promise to kids with special needs and kids at risk:

Vernon tells it like it is

• Call the Premier's Office in Victoria: (1) 250 387-1715
• Email the Premier at premier@gov.bc.ca

For a sample letter to the Premier, click here.

Sample message to Premier

Thank you!

A huge thank you again to everyone who helped make our MOMs provincial day of action a success, whether you were out waving banners, emailing or calling in to share your views with government, or just helping connect us with other families and supporters!

Chris & Lori's group on the 176th St overpass in Surrey

If you can't make it in person, you can still participate by emailing a letter to Premier Campbell urging him to honour his promises to BC's children. Or call your MLA on Wednesday to express your support.

Communications:

Media Release: click here

Letter to Premier Campbell: click here

Fact Sheets: Backgrounders on key program cut: EIBI (autism), IDP (Infant Development)

Oct 28 Action flyer: For information about the event, click here. 

MOMs Op Ed: For a summary of issues & concerns, click here

Action Kit: For sign-making tips, click here; for suggested slogans, click here. 

Photos/video: Reminder to all groups: please take digital photos & brief video clips to help us compile a U-tube video for further distribution.

Media contacts: 

• Vancouver: Dawn Steele: dawns@telus.net, 604 874-1416 h./778 235-4998 c.
• Victoria: Catherine Turnquist: catherine.queeb70@gmail.com 250 686-3953 c.
•  (or local coordinator - see below)

Confirmed Locations:

Vancouver Island

 Victoria: Five locations - all from 7:30 - 8:30 am

• A: #1 H/way overpass b/tween McKenzie & Helmken: Catherine Turnquist: 250 686-3953
• B: #1 H/way: Town & Country Walmart overpass: Coordinator Hollie Davis: 250 882-6450
• C: Pat Bay Highway - Royal Oak Bridge: Coordinator Chris McIntosh: 250 588-3061 
• D: Blanchard/Caledonia - SaveOnFoods Arena:  Contact Cher Sherwood 250 881-3996
• E: Sooke Bridge: Coordinator Kathleen Forget: 250 589-2890
• F: Bay Street Bridge area:  Coordinator Nicole Strong 250 217-9797

Victoria participants will later assemble at the Legislature to deliver balloons to Premier Gordon Campbell and MLAs . Victoria coordinator Cher Sherwood: 250 881-3996 c. or vwcher@hotmail.com

Campbell River: Tamarac Street  Bridge (new bridge over the Campbell River), 7:30 - 8:30 am. Local coordinator Coralee Boyce: 250 204-1200 c. or CBoyce@viic.ca

Mayne Island: March from the school to the bakery starting at 12 noon. More details from Mayne Island coordinator Annette Witteman: 250 539-5011 or annettepmw@shaw.ca

**NEW: Sunshine Coast

*NEW! Sechelt: In front of St Mary's Hospital, 8:30 am. Contact Merrily at merrilyc@dccnet.com

Lower Mainland

North Van - Lions Gate Bridge: North Van side, from 7:30 - 8:30 am.  Extra signs available or bring your own. Further details from Cyndi Gerlach, North Van MOMs Coordinator: 604 831-6608 cel or MomsOnTheMove@telus.net

Vancouver Burrard Bridge: South end from 7:30 - 8:30 am (opposite Molson & Seaforth Armoury at Burrard & Cornwall - see map for details of roadworks & parking) .  Extra signs available. At noon, Vancouver groups will reconvene at Premier Campbell's Constituency Office, 3615 West 4th Avenue, to deliver balloons and a statement asking him to live up to his promises to BC's children. Further details available from Dawn Steele, Burrard Coordinator: 778 235-4998 or dawns@telus.net.

Vancouver Oak St. Bridge: Vancouver side (see map), from 7:30 - 8:30 am. Extra signs available or bring your own. At noon, both Vancouver groups will reconvene at Premier Campbell's Constituency Office, 3615 West 4th Avenue, to deliver balloons and a statement asking him to live up to his promises to BC's children. Further details available from Barb Laird, Osk St Coordinator: barb@telus.net or 604 910-9990 cel.

* NEW: Burnaby: Burnaby parents will deliver messages & balloons  to local MLA offices to symbolize vulnerable kids who are waiting for help.

Surrey: Highway #1/176th overpass, 7:30 - 8:30 am. Local coordinator Chris Doucette: 604 307-6346 c. or cjdouce@yahoo.com

Langley: Highway #1/Langely overpass, 7:30 - 8:30 am. (UPDATE!!!Consolidated with the Surrey action at the 176th overpass - please join Chris's group there instead!)Local coordinator Chris Doucette: 604 307-6346 c. or cjdouce@yahoo.com

Abbotsford: Clearbrook overpass on Highway 1, 7:30 - 8:30 am. Extra signs available or bring your own. Contact Karen Davis: 604 302-6949 or kayceda@mac.com

Interior & North

Kamloops: Sahali & Columbia St. intersection, 7:30 - 8:30 am. Parking in Superstore & Sahali Mall. Signs available or bring your own. Local coordinator: Samantha Warden: 250 371-7541 or swarden@gmail.com

Kelowna: 2121 Ethel Street (outside MLA Steve Thomson's office at the corner of Ethel &  Springfield/Cadder) starting at 9:30 am.  Signs available or bring your own. Local coordinator is Lisa Watson: 250 212-4075 c. / 250 762-3076 h. or kellylisa@shaw.ca. Kelowna area residents who can't attend are urged to telephone Kelowna  area MLAs on Oct. 28 to voice support for the MOMS campaign:

• Steve Thomson - Kelowna/Mission: 250 712-3620
• Norm Letnick - Kelowna/Lake Country: 250 765-8516
• Ben Stewart - Westside/Kelowna: 250 768-8426

Vernon: Polson Park at the Fountain (32nd Street & 25th Avenue), 7:30 - 8:30 am.  Local coordinator is Craeg Pohorelic: 250 260-1758 h. /250-308-9851 c. or craegp@shaw.ca or craeg@noyfss.org

Merritt: Corner of Vogt & Nicola (across from 7-11), from 7:45 - 8:45 am. Local coordinator Lynn Krausert 250 315-8118 c.

Prince George: 770 Central Street (MLA Pat Bell's office - across from Spruceland Shopping Centre), from 7:30 - 8:30 am. Local coordinator Milanka Pavlic: 250 552-2040 c./ 250 596-1407 h or mpfortuneaw@hotmail.com or Heather Allison 250 962-9680

Invermere: Local coordinator Susan Kurbis: 250 342 3056 h. or susan_kurbis@hotmail.com.

Questions/info about locations or to register additional groups: Cyndi Gerlach, 604 987-6608 h./604 831-6608 c. or MomsOnTheMove@telus.net 

Children's cuts - in the media:

Kelowna Daily Courier: Parents of autistic children not giving up

The Tyee: In BC, suffer the children: Premier Campbell's forgotten promise to BC's youngsters with special needs

The Medical News: Health Sciences Association: BC's autism cuts not good for kids

Langley Times: Strange priorities

Kamloops This Week: The problem is Campbell, Polak don't get it

Click here for more...

Children's cuts - other groups speak out:

Health Sciences Association: Statement

 BC FamilyNet: Letter to Minister Polak

BC Association for Community Living: Press release

BC Coalition for People with Disabilities: Letter to Minister

Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion: Letter to Minister

Provincial Advisor, IDP: press release

Provincial Advisor, SCD: press release

MP Keith Martin: letter of support

One mom's petition re autism cuts: sign here 

(Please distribute widely, with apologies for cross-postings!)

Vancouver, October 13, 2009

Premier Campbell's  forgotten promise:

BC government's 2006 - 2009 Strategic Plan: 5 Great Goals for the Golden Decade:

Goal #3: 'Build the best system of support in Canada for persons with disabilities, those with special needs, children at risk, and seniors.'

Three years later, the BC government has forgotten all about about Great Goal #3. We've seen no improvements in supports for children and youth with special needs. Existing systems are being dismantled and services cut, with no effort to resolve long-standing service gaps:

• Intensive intervention programs for autism axed, despite overwhelming need & evidence these programs work well & expert advice that direct funding is not an effective alternative for many.
• Parents who effectively manage autism funding forced to switch to Ministry-administered payments. This will create new problems, including delays and higher costs
• Provincial offices that provide direct services including oversight, coordination, training and standards for community Infant Development Programs and Aboriginal IDPs to be axed.
• Axing of the provincial Supported Child Care office, which was recently created to resolve problems from the lack of oversight, coordination, training & consistency in local SCC programs.
  • URGENT NOTE: A month's notice won't allow SCC staff to properly transfer roles. Pls. urge govt to at least extend these roles to March 2010 to permit an orderly transition.
• Healthy Choices in Pregnancy program, which focussed on reducing FASD - axed
• Budget for children in care - reduced
• Youth mental health programs cut, along with programs for youth fighting addiction
• Capital grants and funded spaces for childcare programs - reduced
• $32 million in cuts to Ministry staff who manage & deliver programs and supports.
• Front-line agencies that deliver programs ordered to make further cuts totalling $3.6 million.
• Roots of Empathy program cut
• NO risk assessment or consultation with families & agencies about impacts of cuts!

Savings from these cuts are NOT being used to expand services to children currently waitlisted or denied access to services & family supports (e.g. children with Down Syndrome). 

• Young adults still denied services on the basis of IQ, contrary to promised policy change.
• Thousands of children still denied urgently-needed services or waitlisted. Govt has failed to document waitlists and service gaps or to demonstrate any progress in resolving these despite years of promises.
• MCFD has spent over a year restructuring services for children with special needs - again! - with no effort to consult families who are the primary partners in delivering most children's supports.

We can afford to do better

The BC government argues this "belt tightening" is needed because of tough economic times. Yet:

• Premier Campbell failed to strengthen front-line services and supports for children and youth with special needs and their families despite record budget surpluses in recent years.
• His government continues to waste millions on endless restructuring of children's services 
• The Premier has committed $14 billion to new capital spending in his 2010 budget at the same time that vital children's programs are being cut.
• Premier Campbell remains committed to spending $20 million on bricks and mortar to help construct a new autism building in Vancouver, after BC families overwhelming stressed in a MOMS survey last year that maintaining and enhancing services was by far the top priority.

MOMS get Militant again

Concerned BC parents formed Moms on the Move (MOMS) in 2001 to fight drastic cuts to children's services and we've become the largest family network supporting children with special needs in BC. Parents have urged MOMS to speak up again, and an expanded MOMS advocacy committee met October 10 and agreed that:

• MOMS will re-organize and work with other groups to lead a broad-based campaign to alert families, the public and MLAs about growing gaps and new cuts affecting children & youth with special needs, contrary to govt claims that it's protecting/enhancing services.
• MOMS will put the 'Militant' back in our name to convey families' frustration over the province's failure to address serious gaps and further erosion of support. BC's moms and dads are determined to hold Premier Campbell accountable to his promises to BC's children.

Advocacy campaign: Phase 1:

ACTION 1: Urge the Provincial Budget Committee to reverse these cuts and address serious service gaps for BC's most vulnerable children and youth

Please join those speaking up for BC's vulnerable children. The Finance & Government Services Committee is accepting public input on budget priorities for the 2010 BC Budget. Anyone can email comments or simply complete a quick online survey until the October 23 deadline. 

Answer the quick online survey here:

Or e-mail your comments to: FinanceCommittee@leg.bc.ca (Please include your contact information)

ACTION 2: If you haven't already done so, copy your comments to your local MLA - or to every BC MLA at once, by copying and pasting the email list below. Ask your MLA what he/she will do to respond. Ask to meet in person if you have time. Let them know how many voters in your family and circle of friends agree that BC's vulnerable children deserve better.

MOMS is setting up a new Web site and provincial organizational structure and connecting with provincial and community partners to support families in ongoing advocacy - stay tuned for more. We're also seeking volunteers from across BC, so please let us know if you wish to get more involved in supporting further advocacy initiatives!

Dawn Steele & Cyndi Gerlach, for

Militant Moms on the Move

MLA Email list