COMMUNITY LIVING COALITION
April 22, 2002

1. Welcome and introductions

2. A letter of agreement regarding Children and Youth with Special Needs was shared.

3. Considerations for reps for Transition Steering Group meeting
    1) Budgets/finances - benchmark for December 31st, 2001 and someone to analyze
    2) How to address issues re joint direct (services) and what we do in the meantime until governance bodies are up and running.
    3) Committee Structure
    4) Legislation to mandate services
    5) Effective Communication for the Province.
    6) How members of our group on TSG provide feedback and decision-making to the coalition
    7) Changes in service delivery and service policy have to be taken to TSG and how our reps will get agreement to this. Also how to facilitate linkage to the coalition.

It was suggested rep groups at TSG have the role of gathering input and advice etc. from broader community.

* Coalition needs to work together and stand together to support the reps on the TSG to avoid division and splits. Stay united and a constant strong voice.

* CLS reps for the TSG were introduced.

4. Government committees: TSG
MCFD Steering committee on Corporate infrastructure.
Mandate is:
- $ money
- structure of ministry itself
- information systems
Committee mainly made up of ministry reps. Les Foster chairs. Want reps from outside.

Doug Woollard was asked to sit on the Infra-Structure Committee.

Interrelationship makes sense. - Covers broad interests - Aboriginal, Children and Children & Family Development.

It appears there is a 2nd position available & discussion ensued about other reps and pros and cons of the work of this committee in relation to the CLC and the CL TSG.

Motion by Ron Whittaker that we put forward Doug Walls and Bill Fildes to be nominated to the Infrastructure Committee along with Doug Woollard

Seconded by Sue Salter. Carried

Prior to bringing this forward the CLC reps need to seek clarification at the first TSG meeting of the role and responsibility of this committee and, if appropriate, make above recommendation.

4. ...Committees continued...

Potential sub committees discussed:

1. Individual Funding - allocation, planning, implementation
2. Financial audit/outstanding law suits/finances
3. Governance model
4. Human Resources strategy
5. Enabling legislative framework
6. Interministerial committee
7 Communications
8. Monitoring & standards & safeguards (quality assurance)

Minister¹s letter indicates a..... strategic planning group (?)
- link co-chairs & project manger (outside gov¹t) and - reps from TSG to get info for TSG from Min. that is
understandable to the TSG

Discussion re separate committee for people with Complex/High needs:
- address their needs at all committees and the TSG hold commitment to represent these issues
- can fall under legislative framework
- also falls under governance - therefore eligibility

Decision: Probably best suited as an issue on all committees.

We need to pay close attention to overlapping ministries to ensure needs of people are not pushed from one ministry to another but rather hold shared responsibility.

ACTION
CLC agreed on all 9 committees, without a separate committee for complex needs.

Suggested a future possibility of children¹s issues and management group (ie now doing a case by case review of CIC) 9th committee?

Membership of sub committees: each of 9 groups
- at least one a member of TSG
- CLC members onto these committees as well as others we can identify with specific skills.
- each group will be struck by the TSG.

Note: Rather than CLC having separate committees/groups, we would have people work on the committees struck by the TSG by appointment

5. Other Business

i) Gerry shared info about a meeting with Joy McPhail re Disability Benefits and the concerns self advocates have about the changes and serious problems resulting.

ii) Bob Kiell shared info from BCCPD about Dis. Benefit changes as well (ie. no permanent status, change in eligibility, changed appeal process)

Call, write, ask for a meeting with MLA¹s
Check out BCACL website for more info .
Arlene Schouten has form letters from parents and individuals that people can use.
Contact her - arlene@msasociety.com

Will also post on CLC website and self advocates web site.

The TSG can pressure this issue at the meetings of the group.

Biggest concern is the regulations rather than the Act. As well, people need to organize community meetings to advice and inform. Laney to talk to AdHoc tomorrow.

Motion by Cathy Anthony that the CLC write Minister Coell a letter expressing in strongest terms concerns regarding Bill 27.

Seconded by Susan Whittaker
Carried

Signing by Linda Perry and Doug Woollard

6. Next meeting May 8th at 1:00 pm.  Further meetings to be decided once we know when TSG will meet.