Down Syndrome BC is demanding the premier take action against an agency involved in ongoing failures in caring for developmentally disabled people.
The advocacy group, headed by Tamara Taggart, is urging that Premier David Eby remove the board of the Crown corporation Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) so that a comprehensive review and “complete reset” can take place.
It comes after a Coroner’s Inquest into the death of Florence Girard revealed serious systemic issues within the care system.
Down Syndrome BC says the inquest’s 13 recommendations highlight inadequate oversight, poor funding, and ineffective management at CLBC.
“Developmentally disabled citizens have intellectual and communication challenges that prevent them from self-advocating, many are wholly dependent on CLBC for their care. These individuals have complex medical needs which CLBC does not assess or monitor. The 5-person executive team at CLBC has seen their compensation grow all while developmentally disabled individuals and their home share providers are grossly underfunded,” Taggart said in her letter.
Despite its $1.7 million budget, CLBC has failed to properly support its clients, the Down Syndrome advocacy group says.
“Unfortunately, the death of Florence Girard in 2018 was not an isolated incident. From 2017 to 2019 another developmentally disabled person under CLBC’s care was almost starved to death R. v Brush 2021 BCSC. A review of CLBC in the news section shows a pattern of systemic indifference that the public can no longer tolerate,” Taggart shared.
It’s calling for immediate government intervention to improve care and accountability in the province.
“As the Premier you are charged with the responsibility to make sure developmentally disabled British Columbians are properly cared for and receive appropriate government assistance. It is shocking the Province provides $1.7 Billion to CLBC with CLBC having no performance requirements,” Taggart said.
“The citizens of British Columbia have lost all confidence in the Board of Directors and the Executive Team at CLBC and I am urging you to end this mismanagement by taking direct control of this unaccountable and ineffective Crown Corporation.”