Community Living Coalition - May 31, 2002 - 9:30 - 1:30pm

1. Introductions

2. Agenda Review

3. Updates from TSC:

1. Community Coordinator: Stan Remple, previously a family member on the TSC, has been hired to work with community on the many different TSC projects, ensuring coordination of the working groups.  Moved by Sue Salter, seconded by Roy McGregor that the TSC Chairs be requested to consider the appointment of a Coalition family member to replace Stan. CARRIED
2. Communications Coordination: TSC has agreed that Meeting summaries will be approved by the TSC and posted on the MCFD website, and that formal meeting minutes will be approved at the next TSC meeting, and then posted on the MCFD website.  Until communications have been approved by the TSC, they should not be posted on other community websites.
3. MCFD Service Plan & TSC: At the first meeting, TSC members confirmed that they were not bound by the MCFD Service Plan.  The TSC will create a transition plan to an innovative service system with a new governance model.
4. End to Deficit Reduction: In April and May, the MCFD regions were proposing substantial cuts to funding to balance regional budgets.  The May 16, 17 meeting of the TSC featured an in-depth discussion of this issue, and the Ministry agreed to stop all regional deficit reduction plans for both children with special needs and adults with developmental disabilities. 
5. Amalgamation of Agencies: A member raised a concern that plans are being made to amalgamate small agencies.  There has been no discussion at the TSC of amalgamating agencies.  The discussions have always focused on local solutions to the need for innovation and creativity, not top-down direction. 
6. Creative and Innovative Change: The TSC passed a resolution on May 30, 02 that the Ministry be requested to allow all savings from innovation and creative change be directed back to increased service delivery.
7. Committee updates
   1. Strategic Planning Group - Co Chairs: David Driscoll, Elaine Murray - other members: Laney Bryenton, Al Etmanski, Doug Woollard, Tim Stainton, Deanna Kratzenberg, Roberta Scott, Linda Derkach.   This committee sets the agendas for TSC meetings.
   2. Communications Advisory Committee - Chair: Terry Robertson  Members: Cathy Grant, Linda Derkach, Ernie Baatz, Petra - MCFD.
   3. Finance & HR - Chair: Doug Woollard
   4. Governance & Legislation - Chair: Laney Bryenton. 
   5. Accountability and Information Transfer - Chair: Jane Short
   6. Children's Services - Co-Chairs: Cathy Anthony & John Kehler
   7. IF & other Planning Options - Chair: Tim Stainton

   TSC agreed that committees should only be 8 members or less.  Thank you to the many volunteers for committees from the CLC membership.  Some committees will hire contract staff to complete some of the work.

4. Senior Parents Discussion

Fred presented a discussion paper on the work and value created by Senior Families over the past 50 years.  Senior families are concerned about losing services that are valued by participants, and want to ensure that, as new services develop, existing services are maintained for those who want them.   The primary services that were cancelled and replaced by other services were the Sheltered Workshops.  The primary change required is to the Employment Standards Act, to allow less than minimum wage for work that is therapeutic rather than market-driven.

CLC Members expressed much support for the work of the seniors who developed so many services that established an alternative to institutions.  CLC members expressed support for the concept of choice, meaning that people should not have to lose a service they are satisfied with, so that others can have a new service.

In December, the Ministry of Labour had a consultation period on changes to the Employment Standards Act.  A number of families and service providers did make submissions about changes for work and minimum wage exclusions for therapeutic work for people with disabilities.

5. Other updates:

1. When will Individualized Funding be available?  The new governance structure is proposed to begin April 1, 2003.  Whether the new governance will be able to offer IF immediately is not known.
2. What about Microboards? Will this option be lost as a new IF option is developed?  The discussion is just beginning at the IF Committee, but generally, the feeling is that one option would not be removed to establish a new option.
3. What about people on waitlists? When can these people expect access to services?  The TSC plan would be to find efficiencies and innovations that will free up funding to provide services to people on waitlists.  The MCFD Budget for 2003 - 04 is still proposed to be $80 Million less though, so if that cut is implemented, there will be an impact on current services, and very few new services provided.  The $80 Million cut for 2003 - 04 is the biggest issue facing the sustainability of Community Living.

6. Next Steps

7. Next Meetings:  June 12th, 2002 & 25th meetings have been cancelled - The next meeting will be on June 28th at 10am to 1pm.