MOMS set up the day for people who are concerned about cuts being made by the provincial government to programs intended to help babies, children and youth with disabilities.
In a statement to the media the group said, “In 2001, Gordon Campbell promised to stand up for B.C.’s vulnerable children as a priority. Months later, he ordered 23 per cent cuts to children’s programs. In 2005, the premier outlined five Great Goals – number 3 was to ‘build the best system of support in Canada’ for children with special needs and those at risk. But Mr. Campbell has again forgotten his promise to create a legacy of strong, safe and well-supported children. So on Oct. 28, we invited British Columbians to help us remind Premier Campbell of his promise to B.C.’s vulnerable children.”
Rallies were held in multiple towns and cities in B.C. on that day.
The group has encouraged people to contact Premier Campbell to voice their concerns over the cutbacks they think will affect the children.
Locally, Invermere resident Susan Kurbis took it upon herself to try and let people know what they can do to support the group.
Kurbis went door to door handing out a letter that people could sign and then send to the premier.
“The Day of Action is in support of moms across the province who have children with disabilities. The goal of the action is to let the Premier know that he made a promise when he was elected that he would build one of the best supports systems in Canada for infants, youth and children with disabilities,” she said. “In fact, he has completely done the opposite.”
She feels they are hurting B.C.’s most vulnerable citizens.
Kurbis has used some of the programs affected in the past. Her son used these programs and says there was a huge benefit for him in his development.
The group claims “The premier is cutting millions from core programs, including autism, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), mental health, infant development, supported child development and Aboriginal programs. Specialized staff are being lost, with one program given just a month to wrap up. Front line children’s agencies were forced to cut $3.6 million more. A further $32 million is being cut from essential ministry roles for monitoring, oversight and support to assure children’s welfare and safety.”
Kurbis hopes that there will be a more balanced distribution of funds in the future where the children with disabilities will have all the programs they need.