Inclusion BC acknowledges the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to address the needs of British Columbians, as outlined in Budget 2025 and the recent Throne Speech. However, we remain concerned about the adequacy of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as we stand strong for B.C. Due to the election cycle, there was not an opportunity to submit new budget priorities last year, so our recommendations are from Inclusion BC’s Budget Submission for Budget 2024, as these priorities remain for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
There was much emphasis on the impact of our changing trade relationships with the United States. However, this year’s budget reflects modest caseload increases in most areas despite the economic uncertainty of the years ahead.
1. Livable Income & Housing Security
Inclusion BC Recommendation:
Increase the Person with Disabilities (PWD) benefit to $2,400 per month and enhance associated health supplemental benefits. Additionally, allocate $3.4 million annually for 400 new portable rental housing supplements, supplementing the existing $500 shelter allowance to ensure access to safe, accessible, and inclusive housing across BC.
Budget 2025 Allocation:
The budget includes funding to support the growing number of people receiving income and disability assistance. However, these allocations primarily address increased demand and do not enhance individual support levels.
The Rental Assistance Program for families and the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program were both expanded to support roughly 6,000 more families and 1,600 more seniors.
Analysis:
It is disappointing that the Person with Disability Benefits rate has not increased. However, the Canadian Disability Benefit will begin to flow in July 2025 for people between 18-64 years of age who have a Disability Tax Credit, and filed their taxes in the 2024 tax year. The B.C. government has committed to exempting the additional $2,400 ($200 per month) per year for those who are eligible.
The budget does not address the housing affordability gap for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Inclusion BC will continue our advocacy guided by our Position Statement on Income Security for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
2. Inclusive Health & Mental Health Strategy
Inclusion BC Recommendation:
Invest $1 million to develop an inclusive health and mental health strategy tailored to the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This strategy should also include the establishment of a provincial oversight structure for these services.
Budget 2025 Allocation:
The budget commits substantial funds to enhance access to comprehensive health services, including primary and acute care, long-term care, assisted living, home care, mental health and substance use services.
Analysis:
Although these investments are significant, they do not include specific provisions for disability inclusive services. We will work with the Ministry of Health to advocate for a focused strategy and oversight structure within this funding framework.
One of our focuses will be on the $500 million in new funding over three years for addictions treatment and recovery programs and mental health support to ensure they are disability inclusive. The lack of inclusive addiction treatment programs and mental health programs are leaving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities extremely vulnerable.
Our advocacy will be guided by our Position Statements on Access to Health Care and Coordinated Care for Children and Youth, Health Care and Coordinated Care for Adults and Mental Health Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
3. Support for Community Living Organizations
Inclusion BC Recommendation:
Establish a $1 million Innovation Fund through the Office of the Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Non-Profits to enable community living organizations to develop new solutions that enhance inclusion and resilience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Budget 2025 Allocation:
The budget provides an additional $380 million over three years to Community Living BC.
Analysis:
These allocations will primarily address the increasing number of people requiring Community Living BC funded services, which is very welcome.
There were no new targeted investments to explore innovative solutions to more meaningfully address the changing support needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Other Notable Allocations
Education and Childcare:
- The budget provides $370 million allocated over three years for the Classroom Enhancement Fund to support kindergarten to grade 12 students in B.C. schools.
Analysis: These investments are linked to rising enrolment and may maintain current educational conditions. However, they are insufficient to advance inclusion in B.C. classrooms for students with disabilities. Despite a commitment to hire more teachers and special education teachers there was no mention of funding for the needed workforce strategy to achieve this goal.
Children and Youth with Support Needs:
- Budget 2025 allocates $172 million more to support more children and youth with an autism diagnosis, as well as for families obtaining medical benefits for children and youth with complex healthcare needs.
Analysis:
This funding aims to meet growing demand but does not expand access to respite or other essential services for many families with children and youth with disabilities who need support. Nor does it expand supports for children and youth with other disabilities and support needs.
Inclusion BC remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages. We will continue to work towards a more inclusive, equitable and supportive environment in British Columbia.
March 2025
This article was featured in our monthly newsletter, Inclusion in Action.
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