Meeting called to order at 9:30 am - 67 people in attendance

1. Update on meeting re. Children's services: Cathy Anthony gave her feedback on the meeting of March 4, 2002 - There were many very diverse opinions at this meeting, called by the Minister, with representation from many different groups.  No final decision was reached and a follow up meeting was scheduled for March 11, 2002.  If children's special needs services are left with child protection, there will be intense budget pressures on special needs services.  Our ultimate goal is to protect the principles at the core - protection of specialized services, protection of funding, protection of transitions, provision of individualized funding as an option, and protection from child welfare philosophies - and there is great concern that these cannot be protected in the Child and Family Governance.  Our representatives on the Children's services task force will bring back our clear consensus, based on 40 years of history, that special needs services need to be with other Community Living services.

2. Minister's announcement of a Transformation Process:
- The document called "Vision & Direction - MCFD Transformation" and "MCFD Community Living Services Transformation" were reviewed.  People were concerned about the apparent pre-determined nature of the structures, governance authorities and plans and priorities.  The CLC would rather develop those authorities, plans and priorities in the transformation process with community leadership.  Community Governance should be an alternative to the MCFD Service Plan, not a method of implementation of the Service Plan.
Our response to the Ministry Transformation process: 
Resolution for next steps: Moved by Al, seconded by Cathy that:
    a) Given the concerns about the Transformation Process document released by government, it was agreed not to select Transition team members until clarification is received from the Minister on key issues. The Coalition agreed that if those issues are clarified to our satisfaction, we would then go forward and select transition team members. CARRIED (small group - Al and Laney will meet with the Minister)
    b) The coalition will renew its efforts to reach out and get participation, input, and support from other community groups CARRIED: What strategies will be used:
        - Meet with key groups that have been loudest opponents to Coalition strategies - Communications Committee will identify groups that we need to talk to and recruit coalition members best suited to approach these groups.
        - A formal direct mailing to as many people as possible, through BCACL, Family Coalition, CRSP of BC and other key stakeholders, prepared by the Communications Committee after next week's meeting of March 14, 2002.
    c) A massive rally be held to address the issues of all people with disabilities - Education, Disability Benefits, Community Living - CARRIED - Further discussion next meeting to focus the goals and communications strategies.  A joint committee could be established with other advocacy groups to plan the rally.

3. Selection of representatives to the Transition Steering Group - Deferred to next meeting
-Discussion of process
-Selection
(Names to be provided to the Minister only if we resolve our concerns)

4. Updates and Information Sharing - Deferred to next Meeting

5. Update from the Communications committee. 
- Cuts & Changes web page - feedback from across the province on changes across the government 

6. Conflict of Interest Guidelines - Deferred to next Meeting

7. Discussion of issues raised by Laney's letter - Deferred to next meeting

8. Next Meeting date: March 14, 2002 - 4pm to 7pm

9. Meeting adjourned at 12:30 pm