B.C. Premier John Horgan speaks during a news conference in the press theatre at the legislature in Victoria on May 29, 2018.The Canadian Press
British Columbia Premier John Horgan’s voice cracked Thursday as he saluted the efforts of foster parents, caregivers and those who share their homes with people with disabilities.
Near tears, Horgan announced the first funding increase in a decade for the caregivers, telling those who attended the event at the legislature that he couldn’t look at them because he would lose his composure.
The funding increases for foster parents, home-share providers and extended family caregivers amount to $109-million over the next three years and were set aside in this year’s provincial budget.
Horgan said it will mean an extra $179 per month for foster parents to help cover basic costs of providing for children in their care.
There will be large increases for those involved in extended family programs, ranging from $428 to $464, depending on the age of the children. The programs are used in Indigenous communities with an aim of keeping families together.
The increases also include a 15 per cent boost to Community Living B.C.’s home share program, which provides living arrangements for more than 4,000 people with disabilities.
“You’ve helped thousands of children, youth and adults with disabilities,” Horgan said. “Thousands of people have been affected by your generosity and your caring. We know you don’t do it for the money, far from it.”
The premier said funding increases have been stagnant and the New Democrat government is aiming to share the province’s economic wealth, especially with those who build families.
“We’ve made some progress but there’s much more to do. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your contribution to B.C.,” said Horgan.
The budget includes $64-million to the Ministry of Children and Family Development and $45-million to the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.
“On budget day, I sat in tears,” said Selena Martin, who founded B.C. Home Share Caregivers Association seven years ago. “We haven’t had increases in over 10 years. For some it’s been longer. For some, they have never had an increase.”
Victoria-area foster parent Heather Haynes, who has adult foster children, two adopted children and regularly has foster toddlers and babies in her home, said she would continue being a foster parent without the increase, but the extra money helps.
“We can give all the kisses and hugs we can possibly have but there are real needs that kids who come from hard places need,” she said.
Horgan said helping voiceless people like vulnerable children and family caregivers is a major driving force behind his life in politics.
“We came to politics to try and help those who needed help,” he said. “If that doesn’t move you, then you’re pretty cold.”