BC INSTITUTIONAL LEGACY TRUST FUND UPDATE – July
31, 2006 -- PDF Version of this Update
BACKGROUND
In our June update, we announced that MCFD was completing the process of
identifying and verifying the names and addresses of former residents Woodlands,
Glendale, Tranquille and Endicott Centre in preparation for the distribution of
Legacy Trust Fund cheques. This process has now been completed for the purpose
of the initial mail-out to the former residents.
UPDATE
LTF Cheque Distribution Has Begun!
As representatives of the Advisory Committee for the BC Institutional Legacy
Trust Fund (LTF), we are pleased to join the Victoria Foundation in announcing
the distribution of the Fund to former residents of Woodlands, Glendale,
Tranquille and Endicott Centre.
Cheques will be distributed beginning today, July 31, 2006. It is expected that
the mail-out will continue for the next several weeks. Former residents should
receive their LTF cheques by the end of August 2006. All eligible recipients
will receive a $510 one-time payment from the LTF fund.
Purpose and Use of the LTF Funds
The LTF Advisory Committee is made up of former residents of the four
institutions and family members of former residents. The committee feels
strongly that the option of distributing these funds equally among all surviving
former residents provides the greatest benefit to the greatest number of former
residents in the most timely and respectful process possible. We feel that this
approach acknowledges the dignity of former residents and empowers them by
giving choice and flexibility in how they use these funds. This approach is also
consistent with the original intent of the Fund and with the wishes expressed by
the vast majority of former residents, family members and others who
participated in consultations about the Legacy Trust Fund over the past three
years.
The Legacy Trust Fund is intended as a goodwill gesture in recognition that life
was difficult in the institutions. The intent is to enable people to do some
things that they might not otherwise be able to afford to do. These funds are
for the enjoyment of former residents and the Advisory Committee encourages
everyone to try to ensure that former residents are supported to use this money
for their own identified purposes.
LTF Funds Exempt from Affecting Benefits Payments
The Advisory Committee and other interested parties have worked to ensure that
these funds will not affect the benefits of individuals who may receive income
assistance. Along with their LTF cheques, former residents will receive a letter
from the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance (MEIA), confirming that
receiving a Legacy Trust Fund payment will not affect the benefits of
individuals who receive income assistance.
The MEIA letter is attached to this update
for your information.
If you know of an LTF cheque recipient who experiences any problems related to
their benefits, please contact Lori Seay at BCACL 604-875-1119 (collect calls
accepted).
Former Residents Who Do Not Receive a Cheque by August 31, 2006
It is possible that some former residents may be missing from the initial
mailout of cheques. Some funds have been held back for any former resident who
may come forward or is identified as not having received their cheque. As these
people are identified and their names verified as former residents, grant
cheques will be mailed to them by the Victoria Foundation up to the end of
December 2006.
If you know of someone who is a former resident of one of the four institutions
who has NOT received a cheque from the Legacy Trust Fund by August 31, 2006, we
ask that after the August 31st date you either send an email to
anita.nevistic@gov.bc.ca or
call toll-free to 1-888-387-3354 with the following information about the former
resident:
• Full legal name
• Actual date of birth
• Current mailing address including postal code
• Current telephone number and,
• Where known, the name of the institution – Glendale, Woodlands, Tranquille or
Endicott Centre where the person resided including the dates they lived there
PLEASE NOTE:
• The toll-free line will ONLY be operational after August 31st, 2006.
• Please wait until after this date to identify former residents who have not
received LTF cheques.
• When you call the toll free number, you will hear a recording asking you to
leave a message with information about the former resident who has not received
a cheque.
We appreciate any assistance in ensuring that all former residents receive their
grant cheque.
On behalf of the Advisory Committee, we wish to thank everyone who has worked to
ensure that the Legacy Trust Fund is used in a way that respects the rights,
self-determination and choices of the former residents.
The Advisory Committee will distribute another Legacy Trust Fund update by early
September.
Sharron Billey and Len Zimmer, Co-Chairs
Trust Advisory Committee
BC Institutional Legacy Trust Fund
