Minutes - Mar 16, 2005

Coalition Meeting Minutes

BACI - 2702 Norland Avenue, Burnaby

1. Introductions: introductions around the table.

Chris Tanner and Gerry M provided an overview of the IMAGINE conference and distributed materials for people

2. Reminder to all members to use plain language and allow the chair to keep discussions organized with one speaker at a time.

3. Appoint a self-advocate as a third co-chair. Discussion outlined duties: chairing meetings, setting up meetings, signing correspondence on behalf of the Coalition, etc. Moved by Lynn and Terry seconded that Bryce S and Gerry M. to share the responsibilities for the next 6 months. PASSED Bryce co-chaired today. Gerry is assigned for April meeting.

4. Discussion re: Family letter - Linda Perry

Linda was unable to attend meeting but had spoken with the co-chairs, BCACL and others. Discussion centered around the tone of the letter and the fact that IF was not included as a point. It was recognized that a meeting for different family groups was a positive step. It was discussed that the Coalition message be solution oriented and offers the entire Coalitions’ message. Elements of the “Family letter” letter could be agreed to while others could not. Moved by Lorraine and seconded by Gerry the following motion: The Coalition will acknowledge receipt of the letter from the groups listed and declines our signature; Coalition will continue to develop own specific message. PASSED

5. Update on March 10th CLBC meeting

No direct observer was present. Laney provided the following reflections from Rick Mowles:

	The Board discussed the Service Model and the acts required to get to the transformed model.
	Board reviewed and passed the clarification document. This document captures the elements of the transformative nature of the model, provides much plainer language. Credit given to Rick Mowles and the Board for tackling the issue of communicating their vision.
	Policy framework was discussed but is not public as of yet.
	The Board agreed to temporary offices
	Provision to set up an advisory regarding the issues of supporting children within MCFD and CLBC. Concerns still about children who require life long support not being clearly within CLBC’s domain.
	Lots of discussion about the Regional Councils (name still undecided?) reflected work done with the Transformation Working Group.
	MCFD budget 05 -06 looks ok, next year's (2006-2007) is a problem.
	There is new money for IF and transitions. May develop a working group to relook at the issues. Advice given is that the group needs to have more people on it, to assist community in developing input and designing system that will work.
	Next CLBC Board Meetings are April 19, May 17 & June 15. Call Sue Salter if you are able to attend.

6. While pleased that Self Advocates were appointed using the same system as other Board members, and were present for the March 10^th meeting, questions for the Board were: were alternates also decided upon? In cases of illness, what supports are being provided by the Board for the Self Advocates to be truly involved and empowered? After discussion, Terry moved, seconded by Arlene that the Coalition send a letter to the Board encouraging their support to the Self Advocates in ways that the Self Advocates determine to develop their Board contributions and that the Self Advocates are involved in the selections of their supports. PASSED

7. Update on February 25th meeting with the Minister and CLC members

Meeting was brief, just an hour. ON behalf of the CLC Terry, Arlene, Klaus, Bryce, Tim and Sue attended. Minister Hagen, Rick Mowles, Deputy Minister McPhail and Hagen’s admin assistant attended. Issues presented by the CLC included:

	Budget concerns for current and future years. Given cuts and increased demands, budget left us in the same position as prior to the cuts with no relief for increased supports required for more people .Hagen responded that he would go to Treasury should there not be enough money.
	$9 million is available in the budget for IF and transition supports
	respite for families of younger children- priority issue due to waitlists for services and numbers of families with no services at all
	Rebuild the Community restructuring Fund
	Ensure that IF continues to be an option

Discussion ensued and Terry offered to work with Tim to develop a letter thanking Minister Hagen for the meeting and restating positions. This letter will wait until after the “clarification “document is released by the Board

8. MCFD Budget

Laney reviewed BCACL analysis.

	Concerns that money has not been targeted to the priority spots. Seems to be enough to meet this years’ services, but definitely a shortfall for next fiscal year.
	Budget does not include labour increases and inflation, not population growth or aging
	Apparent that CLBC will face cutbacks in 06-07, so would have to reapply to treasury

Discussion ensured that the CLC and other organizations need to ‘notch’ up the pressure on their MLA’s and Ministers responsible. A $2Billion surplus without increased Community Living support is not Ok!

Strategies included:

Coalition members to talk to their networks to support them going to their MLA’s

Get clear public input about the financial issues and their impacts from Coalition members

Use BCACL’s letters and materials to take advantage of the pre-election timeline to bring issues to public and government attention

Decision to have Liz, Lorraine and Laney develop CLC specific messaging and communications to use for this awareness building: Spring Summit of BCACL, Family Support Institute training weekend etc.

9. Other updates/new business

A. Bryce brought forward concerns about the new MHR dental plan and children. Laney outlined new billing procedures that recognized people with disabilities may require additional dentist time and so now with new process can be paid for it. This may help to get more dentists for people with disabilities

B. Loraine updated us on the community Living Restructuring Fund

	Letter sent to the CLBC to explain the benefits of the fund and to request their support to renew the fund. No response received yet, Lorraine to follow up
	Concern about Board understands of their relationship to the fund and the Committee charged with administering it. Considering they were appointed by the previous Board, some connection seems to exist. Lorraine to look into this with other members of the Fund Committee.

C. CLBC is training social workers on March 30, and 31^st. They have asked BCACL to recruit 5 self advocates, 5 family members and 5 executive Directors to attend the training. BCACL will coordinate the attendance; ensuring regional representation. They will also try to make sure different individuals and agencies with different experiences in the transformation are involved.

10. Next Coalition meeting is April 13, 2005 from Noon until 2 PM at the BCACL offices, in the Boardroom.

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The Alliance is an open and inclusive gathering of people and organizations dedicated to empowering individuals and families to make decisions about how they lead their lives in the community.	Alliance for Community Living Contact the Alliance Last updated: 07/25/08