Community Living Coalition Minutes

Co-Chairs: Carol Stinson (Regrets from Gerry Juzenas, Bryce Schaufelberger)

1. Introduction from Carol Stinson, Co-Chair.
2. Attendees introduced themselves.
3. Items from last meeting:
   1. Letter to Carol Taylor, Minister of Finance: She replied that the letter was best addressed to Minister Stan Hagen.
      1. Discussion around Funding provided to MCF - will it be forwarded directly to CLBC?  - will CLBC have flexibility in the use of those funds?
      2. Bargaining: Will collective agreement funding be provided by the Provincial Government? There are concerns that the agreement negotiated will not be fully funded.  Other agencies are in HEABC and have experienced collective agreements that didn't get funded - services had to be cut.
      3. Priority from Coalition and BCACL to Provincial Government is that service needs and waitlists need to be funded.
      4. Community Living organizations, families, individuals have been approaching their MLA's to ensure they are aware of the need for additional funding.
      5. BC Budget is presented to Legislature on Tuesday, Feb 21, 06.  Once that has been reviewed, we can express our concern about the need to fund increased services to address waitlists and support individuals and families.
      6. Ask Rick Mowles and Lois Hollstedt to attend our next meeting:
         1. To explain budget results and how CLBC will be responding over the next year. 
         2. Ask about CLBC intentions regarding closing of group homes.
         3. Ask about Federal Transfer Funds and how changes impact on CLBC programs.
      7. Our priority is not to attack CLBC but to pressure government to provide appropriate funding to CLBC so that services can be provided according to the vision.
   2. Letter to Attorney General, Wally Opal re Representation Agreement Changes
      1. People and Agencies can add their voice to the issue by supporting the Coalition for Adult Guardianship Legislation and faxing in letter of support. More info on Coalition Site.
   3. Letter to Federal Government re Transfer Payments: The new federal government is changing the policy on ChildCare funding.  FirstCall is a local coalition that is strongly advocating with the Federal Government to honour the previously negotiated agreements.
   4. Advocacy re Roeher Institute – write letter of support to Federal Minister of Human Resources or Social Development asking for ongoing federal funding to provide excellent social policy research to direct government decision-making in the best practice ways.
4. Strike a Committee to investigate a new name for the Coalition:
   1. Need to work on the new vision for CLC.  We shouldn't duplicate other groups' actions or positions, but our aims should complement and include other groups.
   2. We want to be inclusive - families, individuals, and service providers.  We want to be open - people can always come to a meeting to raise an issue and receive support.
   3. Is there a way to bring the multitude of groups together, agreeing that there will be some issues that won't have a common position, but agreeing to work together on the broader issues facing community living. 
   4. Government likes to exploit our differences  - divide and conquer - so a common voice is necessary.
   5. We should strike a committee to look at a vision for the coalition - meet two weeks before the next coalition meeting and strategize on vision and inclusiveness.  We could send out an email invitation to members interested in participating in this committee.
   6. Suggestion: Open Doors for Community Living - always an open door to those who need help with community living issues.
   7. Common Agenda items with Family Net: Watching new policy development at CLBC, Watching Budget Issues at for Community Living.  Is there a way to work collaboratively on those issues?
   8. Ask at next meeting to recruit members for this Vision/Name Committee.
5. Communications Committee: Are the existing committee members still interested in doing work for the coalition?  Ernie will write to current members and ask for expressions of interest.  Specifically, can the website be updated to reflect current information and archive some of the older information?
6. Updates:
   1. CLBC Survey on Community Councils - Is the consultation period closed? What are next steps for the development of councils?  17 community councils will be developed around the Province.  Members will be appointed.  50% plus one will be family members and individuals. 
   2. Service Providers Working Group: Richard reported that members are getting frustrated with process - information is presented on the day of the meeting - no advance info or time for discussion and research.  Different tools for assessment of individual needs are being presented to the group. 
   3. Other working groups - Adult Services, Children's Services, did not have representatives present today.
7. CLBC Strategic Plan - Individuals and Families make the key decisions.
8. Next Meeting: March 9, 2006 Noon to 2pm (or when Rick and Lois / CLBC) are available - Bring your bag lunch - Richard will invite Rick Mowles and Lois Hollstedt UPDATE: NEXT MEETING MOVED TO MARCH 15, 1pm - BACI
9. Item for Next Meeting: Powers and Responsibilities of Committee - How are the rights of the committee enforced and respected?
10. Following Meeting: April 21, 2006 - Noon to 2:00pm