Lawsuits can help governments think critically about its programs: B.C. minister

The petition filed in B.C. Supreme Court is also asking that an injunction be placed on the long-standing practice while the lawsuit works its way through the legal system.

“I think sometimes government is made aware of situations when lawsuits are brought forward,” said Stilwell when asked whether the lawsuit inspired the change.

“It makes you think more critically about what you can do and how you can (offer) support.”

Stilwell said the policy of providing clients with up to $500 per year to cover extra drug treatment costs has been in place since 1990. The ministry currently spends about $2.6 million annually on the supplement, which involves about 5,500 people, she added.

Any costs above the supplement had to be paid out of pocket or, in the case of those on income assistance, was drawn from the client’s monthly allowance.

To access private methadone services, clients were normally required to sign a government-drafted fee agreement giving permission for any outstanding fees to be taken from their income-assistance cheques.

The payment wasn’t charged at public clinics, though court documents argue that spaces are limited and private clinics are the only option for some.

Lawyer Jason Gratl, who represents the proposed representative plaintiff, said the lawsuit will continue in order to secure compensation for methadone fees taken from past social-assistance payments.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Lawsuits can help governments think critically about its programs: B.C. minister

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