B.C. Liberal cuts target special-needs children
The Daily Courier (Vernon)
Dec 28 2009
Opinion By: Lisa Watson

National Child Day in Canada was held last month. I thought to commemorate that, I would highlight what the B.C. Liberals have done in the last few months for the special-needs children of B.C.

-- Terminated EIBI (Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention) Autism Program effective Jan. 31, 2010.

-- Provincial staff who provide direct services, including co-ordination, training and standards for community Infant Development Programs are being terminated.

-- The provincial Supported Child Care office, which was created to resolve issues due to a lack of oversight, co-ordination and consistency in local programs is being terminated.

-- Speech Language Pathologists have been re-assigned to flu clinic administrative duties leaving children without therapy for a significant amount of time.

In his government's 2006-09 strategic plan, Premier Gordon Campbell outlined five great goals for his Golden Decade.

Goal No. 3 was to "Build the best system of support in Canada for persons with disabilities, those with special needs, children at risk, and seniors."

So much for that goal. When will the cuts to our most vulnerable citizens stop?

Premier Campbell, I will not be voting for the Liberals in the next election. I will vote for a party that does not take away from its weakest citizens and leave them and their families without services and hope.