Community Living BC is pleased with the commitment made to the individuals and families it serves in the BC Government’s 2016 budget. The provincial government has approved an operating budget of $896.8 million for CLBC, which includes an increase of $44.8 million in provincial funding. Learn more about the Provincial Budget 2016 here.
“I am grateful that the government is committed to increasing support for families, even in the face of challenging economic circumstances,” said CLBC CEO Seonag Macrae. “We will support as many individuals with developmental disabilities as possible to improve their quality of life.”
The new funding will maintain services to 18,000 individuals and is expected to support increases or new services to 2,600 individuals in 2016/17. Here is more information on how CLBC allocates funding to services.
CLBC funds and monitors a range of services to help individuals live good lives in welcoming communities. These include employment, community inclusion, residential and respite supports. With increases in funding, and careful fiscal management, CLBC has been able to address the support needs of a growing number of eligible individuals – a number which has grown from 12,735 in 2010 to more than 18,000 this year. During this time, CLBC has ensured 93 per cent of its budget goes to services for individuals. The remaining seven per cent goes toward working with families to develop plans, arranging access to community supports, procuring and monitoring funded services and all administrative support functions.
“Individuals and families want to ensure supports are available for those who become eligible for services each year,” said Macrae. “Even as we fund more services, CLBC is committed to engaging individuals, families, service providers, employers and community groups to find new ways to improve quality of life – seeking partnerships to increase employment, reduce social isolation and maximize independence. We all have a role to play.”
