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Despite public statements to the contrary, the B.C. Liberal government continues to force people with developmentally disabilities from group homes against the wishes of their families.
Two more homes face closure in Langley and Richmond amid intense opposition from parents and other relatives.
The families say they are shocked by the behaviour of the government agency Community Living B.C., which provides services to the developmentally disabled and has repeatedly denied forcing people from homes to save money. CLBC says such moves are done to better meet the needs of the disabled and only when people and families are ready to make them….
“I’m horrified, to tell you the truth,” Pollard-Elgert said “My daughter has blossomed since she’s been there.” As in other cases, Pollard-Elgert said the decision appeared to have been made before families were consulted. “It sounds to me like this is a fait accompli and they’re going to be closed on Aug. 31,” she said.
The Times Colonist tried last week and again Thursday to get an interview with Social Development Minister Harry Bloy, who oversees CLBC. His office said he was on holiday.
Rick Mowles, the chief executive officer of CLBC, was in meetings and unavailable, his office said.
In an interview Thursday, Carla Thiesen, CLBC director for the Fraser region, admitted that CLBC wanted the company that runs the Langley home, Western Human Resources, to do it for less money. “But there was no impact to the individuals,” she said….
