CLAG revs up campaign as Premier, Bloy refuse to meet/address growing crisis
The BC Community Living Action Group (BC CLAG ), the unprecedented partnership of family groups (including MOMS), agencies, employees and self-advocate organizations formed to fight the BC government's devastating cuts and "service redesign," has issued an important update and appeal for support today.
The changes being implemented by CLCB are drastically eroding many critical provincially-funded community living services that are supposed to support adults with dev. disabilities over age 19 and their families.
Extensive community consultations resulted in a consensus report and recommendations issued by BC CLAG last April. Premier Christy Clark, Minister Harry Bloy and CLBC's leadership have all refused to acknowledge the concerns or the recommendations outlined in that report. Since March 2011, BC CLAG has repeatedly asked Minister Bloy and Premier Clark to meet urgently with us to discuss the systemic concerns and our recommendations to stem the growing crisis. Both have declined so far to meet with BC CLAG.
In light of the Premier's refusal to engage or address the growing concerns, the BC CLAG partners have continued to meet and strategize on next steps. We are committed to stepping up the pressure on the BC Premier and her government, until she acknowledges and responds to the very serious crisis unfolding in our province.
Meanwhile, the news media continue to highlight the plight of adults and families. MOMS applauds the many families and stakeholders who have been stepping forward and sacrificing their families' privacy in order to alert the public to what is happening.
Now we need your help to support the next phase of our province-wide campaign. Please read the BC CLAG Update to see what you can do.
Thanks to all those who are standing up with us to emphasize that adults with developmental disabilities and their families are valued citizens who deserve to live meaningful lives, safely, in dignity and with the respect and support of their own communities.
Dawn & Cyndi, MOMS
==================
August 31st, 2011 - 17:31
Not long ago people were outraged at the cruel inhuman treatment of a large number of sled dogs in Whistler and rightly so!! I read that this took place because someone thought it was cost effective. Can we muster up a bit of that same feeling of outrage when we see vulnerable people forced to move from their homes where they feel safe and cared for? ( Because it is cost effective?)