February 21, 2002 - 4:00pm - 6:30pm - 2702 Norland Avenue, Burnaby, BC

Minutes:

1. Draft #4 of Suggestions for Formalizing the Community Living Coalition: Cathy Anthony reviewed the draft with the members of the coalition.  A number of suggestions were made and will be incorporated into the final version to be distributed at the next meeting.

2. Introductions:  39 people present - 31 family and self advocates - Many people called to express regrets at not being able to attend - conflicting meetings, Coquihalla closed...

3. Update regarding the Provincial budget and MCFD Service Plans: While there were some small changes in language in the detailed service plan, there are still major concerns with many components of the service plan.  The budget for the coming year includes no cut to funding, but does not include funding for service increases due to children becoming adults and adults on waitlists and may not include funding for wage and benefit increases.  Without funding for union wage and benefit increases, agencies will experience an approximate 4% funding/service cut.

4. Timing and Strategy around transition process: There will be an announcement shortly about a small working group to get all sides of the debate on placement of services for children with special needs.  There is a tentative first meeting date of March 4, 2002 for this working group.  On governance, the Minister has not set a date for an announcement of a transition process.

What strategies should the coalition take to get a formal announcement on the transition process?
- continue to build the coalition across the province
- craft a statement on the position of the coalition regarding governance and the service plan
- talk to your MLA about your support for the Coalition vision on Governance
    - Tell them about the inclusive, province-wide nature of the coalition
    - Service Plan concerns - eg. $24.5 Million for Capital Costs - Specialized Residential Resources
    - Get started on the transformation to Community Governance - Announce a Transition Team
- Identify and make representations to the members of the Health and Social Services Government Caucus Committee
- Joint Decision making is a key message - Joint Transition Committee must be central to decision-making in the Ministry

Town Hall Meeting - February 25, 2002 - 7:30 in Richmond - We should attend and share positive information about the Coalition, agree with families and service providers on the Service Plan concerns.

5. Discussion of issues raised in Laney's letter: Deferred to next meeting

6. Review of revised Conflict of Interest Guidelines: Deferred to next meeting

7. Report/update from Communications Sub-committee
- Review of history document - a document outlining the history of the CL Coalition was handed out to coalition members present and will be posted on the website. Please submit any comments or suggestions to any member of the Communications Committee.
- page on the website to articulate our position from government¹s - The position statement above will address this issue.
- respond to letter read out by Joy McPhail? - Position statement can address this
- Mailing address for Coalition - Communications committee will establish one before next meeting of coalition

7. Set a meeting schedule to assist in travel plans for folks coming from out of town

8. Question concerning ADHD / implications for new governance model - Deferred to next meeting.

9. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm