This year’s budget announcement highlighted several areas that will positively impact the lives of the individuals and families who we support.
- Starting in October 2020, a new BC Child Opportunity Benefit will replace the Early Childhood Tax benefit, which ended when children turned six years old. An investment of $380 million will provide a maximum benefit to low-income families of $1,600 for one child, up to $2,600 for two children, and up to $3,400 per year for three children;
- The budget adds $9 million per year for Childcare, in addition to the $1 billion announced in the 2018 budget to develop a universal child care system, reduce parent fees and increase pay for child care workers in the province;
- $94 million has been added over three years to support existing MCFD caseloads, including Children & Youth with special needs, children in care and a small increase in autism benefits;
- The budget added $6 million in new funding so more families who provide care to children with disabilities can access respite services;
- $74 million in new funding over three years has been allocated to improve Child & Youth mental health and addictions services;
- Increases to provincial disabilities and income assistance rates of $50 per month have been added to last year’s increase of $100 per month, effective April 1, 2019;
- An increase of $26 million to income and disability assistance will lower barriers to the BC Employment Assistance Program to enhance employment;
- Rate increases for foster families, shared living providers and kinship caregivers have been introduced.
Budget Summary
Ministry for Children and Family Development
| MCFD | 2018/2019 | 2019/2020 | Increases |
| Early Childhood Development & Childcare Services | 443,724,000 | 624,807,000 | 181,083,000 |
| Children & Youth with Special Needs | 361,468,000 | 386,669,000 | 25,201,000 |
| Children & Youth Mental Health | 98,925,000 | 109,396,000 | 10,471,000 |
| Children In Care | 640,834,000 | 682,677,000 | 41,843,000 |
Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
| MSDPR | 2018/2019 | 2019/2020 | Increases |
| Income (& Disability) Assistance | 2,318,986,000 | 2,459,683,000 | 140,697,000 |
| Employment (Multi-Barriers) | 29,029,000 | 29,169,000 | 140,000 |
| Community Living BC | 1,001,261,000 | 1,068,015,000 | 66,754,000 |
Yours Truly,
Alanna Hendren
Executive Director
