STATEMENT ON CLBC
ABBOTSFORD SOUTH MLA JOHN VAN DONGEN

January 20, 2012

VICTORIA – Abbotsford South MLA John van Dongen issued this statement on yesterday's announcement from Premier Christy Clark and Minister Stephanie Cadieux for $40 million in new funding for people with developmental disabilities:

“Yesterday’s announcement of $40 million in additional funds, along with the release of the Internal Audit and Deputy Minister’s Review of CLBC, gives me great hope that we are on the right path to helping those in our province who are most in need.

“What has been happening at CLBC over the last few years has been a great concern to me, my colleagues, and many other British Columbians. I’m pleased with the work the Ministry of Social Development has done to make things right, and find ways to ensure no one falls through the cracks.

“The Deputy Minister’s Review is very well-written and focused. It is action-oriented, and I believe the twelve recommendations adopted by the Ministry will address the various concerns around CLBC. I’m particularly pleased with the recommendation that we create mechanisms for effective collaboration between CLBC and government agencies such as health authorities, to make sure clients get all the necessary services they need.

“I’d also like to applaud Minister Cadieux for the work she’s done in going out into the field and speaking to people on the ground, from clients and their families to advocates and service providers. This is exactly the type of work a minister should be doing, and her continued efforts in this area will assist in the effective implementation of these recommendations.”  

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