Welcome to the March 2023 edition of CLBC’s Update for Individuals and Families.
As a reminder, you can find all Updates (including past editions) posted on our website here. You can also check out CLBC’s Facebook page here and Twitter page here. If you know of anyone who would like to receive future Updates, please share the link to our sign up page with them. If you have a specific question, or feedback about this update, you can send an email to CLBCInfo@gov.bc.ca.
CLBC and Government News
Core individual and family support funding increases in Budget 2023
CLBC is pleased with the commitment made to people with developmental disabilities and their families in the B.C. government’s 2023 budget. Budget 2023 will allow CLBC to maintain existing services, provide new services for transitioning youth, and increase core individual and family supports.
CLBC will have a budget of $1.45 billion in 2023/24 to serve 28,000 eligible individuals.
Budget 2023 includes $3.1 million for CLBC to increase core individual and family support funding. This is standard minimum funding available to individuals and families that can be used flexibly for wellness supports (formerly called respite) or contracted services. Beginning April 1, 2023, this funding is increasing from $300 per month to $350 per month (or $3,600 per year to $4,200 per year).
The provincial budget also includes an increase in funding to the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction to increase the maximum shelter rate of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) income assistance from $375 per month to $500 per month effective July 19, 2023. The increase in the shelter rate will also help home sharing providers and agencies who operate staffed homes to meet increased housing costs.
Click here to find more information about Budget 2023.
Government wants your input on its poverty reduction strategy
The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction want to hear ideas from British Columbians on how to update TogetherBC: B.C.’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. Whether it’s ideas about how to make more progress on poverty, or suggestions about how to change legislation to better serve the people of B.C., everyone’s perspective is welcomed.
The engagement process includes a public survey, small group sessions and virtual town halls and runs until April 14, 2023.
Click here to learn about how you can share your ideas on B.C.’s strategy to reduce poverty.
Inclusion BC film highlights inclusive employment stories in Campbell River
As part of its Employer Outreach and Challenging Misconceptions projects, Inclusion B.C. has released its first short film, Inclusive Employment: Stories from Campbell River, B.C.
Created in collaboration with Rivercity Inclusion, the film explores stories of employees, their families, community members, colleagues, and employment support professionals who are working towards a future in which workplaces include people of all abilities.
Watch Inclusive Employment: Stories from Campbell River, B.C. here.
