A series of town halls in Terrace with B.C. United Skeena MLA Ellis Ross and B.C. United West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Karin Kirkpatrick brought to light alarming concerns surrounding government support for autism and child care in the province. The meetings held on May 19 and 20 showed both representatives grappling with major flaws in the provincial system.
In a discussion centred around autism, Kirkpatrick outlined the significant issues facing parents after the government’s decision a year and a half ago to reduce direct autism support in favour of cost-saving hubs.
“This hub model could force someone from northwestern B.C. to drive hundreds of kilometres to Prince George or another large city in the province to get the support their children need,” said Kirkpatrick. She explained the government believed the prior model, which allowed parents to submit receipts for reimbursement, was too costly.
Kirkpatrick said First Nations opposition to the hub model likened it to past practices of forced displacement and residential schools. Parents are stretched thin, with Ross saying there’s a breaking point as the support structure within schools.
“The hub model marks a big shift in funding, and I fear the situation could get worse,” said Ross. Parents and autism groups are increasingly concerned about the loss of circles of care in smaller communities, he said.
READ MORE: Terrace MLA Ellis Ross to host town halls on child care and autism support
Ross and Kirkpatrick advocate for a more flexible model allowing parents to decide on the allocation of government funding. The Kitimat Community Development Centre (CDC) was particularly highlighted as a significant resource for working parents waiting for autism diagnoses.
The second town hall meeting had Kirkpatrick addressing what she called a severe shortage of child care spaces in B.C.
This scarcity has led to essential workers — doctors, nurses, firefighters — leaving the area, further exacerbating the labour shortage in these crucial fields, she said.
Initiatives to bring more child care spots to the region have stalled due to a lack of staff, Ross added.
Kirkpatrick referred to childcare workers as the “backbone of the economy,” underlining the need for a fair wage grid and a $4 an hour wage enhancement.
“Ontario caps day care charges to the government, and other provinces have created better pay structures for childcare workers. B.C. is falling behind,” Kirkpatrick said.
She further critiqued the provincial and federal governments’ understanding of the business model for child care, noting that the profit margins for many child care businesses are very slim and the majority of child care providers, mostly female, are struggling.
Both Kirkpatrick and Ross argue that better consultation with child care providers, a revised funding model, and participation in the federal child care program could help. However, Kirkpatrick voiced concerns over unionization and potential reduction of private operators.
The meetings ended on a sobering note, with parents sharing stories of waiting lists spanning over two years for a spot in childcare centres.
Both Kirkpatrick and Ross acknowledged the shortcomings of both the current NDP and former B.C. Liberal governments, promising to advocate for more robust support systems for children and parents navigating these challenges.
Viktor Elias joined the Terrace Standard in April 2023.
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