By Stephanie Cadieux
Minister of Social Development

June 20, 2012

VICTORIA - When I found out last fall that CLBC had a variable pay compensation system for senior staff, I immediately directed that incentive-based compensation at CLBC be terminated as quickly as possible. In a people-first organization like CLBC, performance based targets and measures are simply not appropriate.

While these incentives were a legally binding part of each employee's compensation package at the time of hiring, they did little to motivate focus where it needs to be - on care of individuals with developmental disabilities and support to their families.

However, we needed to make this change without ripping up employment contracts - as such action would have potentially resulted in litigation. The CLBC Board of Directors worked to develop a new compensation plan that is much more transparent and doesn't distract from the agency's true mandate - care to those with developmental disabilities.

The incentive pay aspect has been eliminated and instead, a three-year average of that portion is being applied to the base salary. CLBC will see an overall reduction in compensation paid to senior staff and honour the existing employment contracts, while having a net zero impact on the CLBC budget.

Over the past months, we have taken a number of steps to address the issues affecting CLBC as well as at the broader system of supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

A thorough and rigorous review was undertaken in the fall to understand the nature of the problems affecting CLBC, and in January a comprehensive plan, along with an additional $144 million in funding over the next three years, plus $36 million being held in contingency, was announced to improve services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Our government is making progress in improving supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families. A new, dedicated Integrated Services Support Team has been established to give people with developmental disabilities and their families a place to turn to for assistance when they have concerns about the services they are receiving.

For families with transitioning youth, a minimum of $2,800 annually is now be available for respite or other services for, with additional funding and services available to young adults with higher needs. And, we have launched two resources - a call for volunteers for a reference committee and an accessible website - designed to ensure individuals and their families have the opportunity to be involved and informed.

Regular updates about the progress government is making towards completing all 12 recommendations in the Improving Services to People with Development Disabilities comprehensive plan will be available on the ministry's website:
http://www.sd.gov.bc.ca/pwd/isst.html

Contact:
Grant Kerr
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Social Development
250 387-5635
Grant.Kerr@gov.bc.ca