BCGEU dismayed at advocate's lack of authority to order review of Community
Living BC

VANCOUVER, Oct. 22 /CNW/ - The BCGEU is surprised and disappointed at reports the B.C. government's Advocate for Service Quality lacks the power to investigate concerns regarding community living services and supports.

Vulnerable British Columbians with developmental disabilities are facing personal upheaval, changes to their living arrangements and potential risk to their wellbeing due to service cuts at Community Living BC (CLBC). The B.C. government is dictating the cuts and has ordered the provincial crown agency to find roughly $22 million in "efficiencies" this year.

"We have an advocate who we would hope would have the authority to investigate concerns and recommend remedies," said James Cavalluzzo, chair of the community social services component of the BCGEU. "But this isn't the case. The B.C. government and Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman have rendered the advocate powerless."

The BCGEU is demanding the advocate be given similar powers to B.C.'s representative for Children and Youth, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond.

"The representative conducts independent reviews and has the power to issue reports independent of government approval. The advocate should be given the same mandate," said Cavalluzzo.

The BCGEU is one of several signatories to a letter issued this week urging the advocate to recommend a thorough review of housing options for the developmentally disabled, and an end to cost-driven closures, service redesigns and reductions in the community living sector.

For further information:

or to arrange an interview, please contact Brian Gardiner, BCGEU Communications at 604 788-1492 or 604 291-9611.