B.C. 2010 budget: More government support needed for community social services
BCGEU
Mar 3 '10

B.C. communities are speaking out about the importance of community social services this month - but yesterday's budget shows that the Campbell government isn't getting the message.

"Social services keep our communities strong, healthy and stable - particularly during tough economic times," says BCGEU president Darryl Walker. "Yet, just when we need these services the most, the government is announcing more cuts."

Yesterday's budget provides $6 million less for child welfare services, and freezes that funding into 2013. Despite some new childcare subsidy dollars, the budget offers no long-term vision or funding to improve access to quality care.

Although Community Living B.C. will receive a small boost this year, funding for community living and other social services will be frozen in years two and three of the budget. In addition, the budget for Ministry of Housing and Social Development employment programs, including programs for persons with disabilities, will be cut by 13 percent this year, and then frozen.

Yesterday's budget cuts follow an announcement in January that the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) will cut $10 million in funding for front-line community social services. These cuts will be in place by April 1 and will impact contracted agencies that provide the majority of ministry services to children and families.

"The communities where these agencies operate have already lost too many vital services and programs," says Walker. "We've seen cuts across the province, including cuts to residential services, mental health programs and programs for women and families."