B.C.’S MOST VULNERABLE CITIZENS TELL CAMPBELL TO DO THE RIGHT THING

For Immediate Release

Feb. 3, 2009

B.C.’S MOST VULNERABLE CITIZENS TELL CAMPBELL TO DO THE RIGHT THING

VANCOUVER – The Campbell government's failure to invest in supports for B.C.’s most vulnerable citizens has left families across the province in crisis, says Jenn McGinn, New Democrat critic for Community Living B.C.

McGinn says that families of children and adults with special needs across B.C. are outraged over the endless waitlists for community living supports and have taken their fight online with the launch of The Campaign To End Waitlists aimed at Gordon Campbell, "People in every corner of the province are waiting for you to act. We're waiting for you to show you care. Waiting for you to do the right thing."

"More than two thousand adults and thousands of infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities are waiting for vital community living supports," said McGinn, the MLA for Vancouver-Fairview. "From infancy to adulthood, the developmentally disabled continue to miss out on opportunities for optimal growth and development.”

McGinn says special needs families across the province are facing a severe shortage of early intervention therapy services, supports for independence and respite services.

“Gordon Campbell can find millions to squander on pet projects like a retractable roof for B.C. Place, yet he continues to neglect the needs of B.C. families who are desperate for help," said McGinn.

“It’s clear that under Gordon Campbell, B.C.’s most vulnerable citizens are not a priority.”

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Media Contact: Leah Herman 604-775-2405

Contact Jenn McGinn's office:

E-mail: jenn.mcginn.mla@leg.bc.ca

Constituency: 1545 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V6J 1W6 Phone: 604 660-7061; Fax: 604 660-7065

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From EndWaitlists Now:

This is an open invitation to people who are interested in joining Burnaby Assc.’s advocacy committee in order to continue advocating for issues that are important to families and persons with a disability. The committee meets once a month at BACI’s Still Creek Centre in Burnaby, usually from 5-7pm. For more info. you can email sarah.baumbusch@gobaci.com.