BC Election: Candidate Commitments

Families of autistic and disabled children across British Columbia are inviting every candidate in the 2026 provincial election to share where they stand on funding for disabled children and youth.

We know campaigns move quickly, and aren’t looking for a perfect answer, just an honest one. 

We also welcome conversations with candidates.

What’s happening: In February 2026, the Ministry of Children and Family Development began rolling out its new Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) funding model. For thousands of families, this change means seeing a reduction or complete loss of individualized funding their children relied on through the Autism Funding Unit (AFU) and School Aged Extended Therapy (SAET) when the new program takes effect April 1, 2027. Families and caregivers have shared with us the uncertainty and financial strain this has created.

Three commitments we are asking all candidates to consider:

1. Continuity: That no child currently receiving individualized funding through AFU or SAET ends up with less or no individualized funding as the new model moves forward.

2. Listening: That you’ll make time to hear directly from Autistic and other disabled people, families, and organizations about how this transition has affected them.

3. Partnership: That future policies and programs for disabled people are shaped with disabled people and their families/caregivers from the very beginning.

We are welcoming a reply in a way works for candidates: a short statement, a fuller response, or a request to meet. Please email Info@FairDisabilityFunding.com by October 18th. Every response will be shared here, exactly as written. Candidates we haven’t heard from yet will be listed as “awaiting response.”

 

These children and their families are your future constituents, and they’re ready to talk.