political debate | shuswap candidates go head-to-head during armstrong forum [a4]
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Sunday, May 5, 2013
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lisa vandervelde/ morning star
Mattison Watkins and the other participants in the RcMp Jean Minguy Memorial Youth academy run around the Vernon army camp Wednesday. the academy replicates one week of life at the RcMp training depot in Regina.
Venture Training takes Victoria to court negotiated with HBT and we weren’t given any information,” she said. A Vernon organization is suing the provincial governAccording to the B.C. CEO Network, representing the ment. agencies, the situation began when the then-NDP governThe Vernon and District Association for Community ment forced them to cancel their employee benefit insurance Living, which operates Venture Training, is among and obtain uninsured coverage from HBT. five B.C. non-profit agencies to file court docu“When the agencies complained that HBT was ments against the government over employee bentoo risky, they were assured the risk was minisefits. cule. They were also told the costs would be fully Eileen Howells, executive director, says that funded by the province,” states a B.C. CEO release. when VDACL attempted to withdraw from the “The HBT reports this plan is underfunded by Healthcare Benefit Trust, a government-selected millions of dollars. But instead of going after the benefits provider, it was handed a bill for unfunded funder of the plan to make up the shortfall, the liability. HBT says the agencies must pay. And contrary Eileen Howells “We were initially told there was $160,000 in to earlier commitments, the province, under the debt for long-term disability and now it’s about Liberals, now says that agencies are responsible $120,000,” said Howells. for the shortfall.” “But other organizations have liabilities of $1 million.” The agencies claim the government didn’t fulfill its Howells says VDACL and the other agencies didn’t know responsibilities when it influenced benefit rates, underfundthere were exit levies or that they would be responsible for ed the plan and shifted costs to the agencies. shortfalls in the plan. VDACL, which left the Healthcare Benefit Trust in 2009, “None of us signed a contract with HBT. The government expects the court case could take a year. richard rolke
Morning Star Staff
“That $120,000 impacts our programs and staffing. They (government) are taking away from the vulnerable,” said Howells. The Ministry of Social Development states it cannot comment on specifics as the matter is before the courts. “After two years of discussions, a repayment plan has been developed for members that have withdrawn from the Healthcare Benefit Trust without paying their contractually required exit levies,” states the ministry. “This is a plan that ensures that the financial integrity of the trust is protected for those who benefit from it, primarily on long-term disability, and at the same time ensures no impact on services.” HBT says it has provided an equitable and flexible longterm repayment plan for all agencies. “HBT must continue to act in interests of the trust, our member agencies, and on behalf of those employees with disabilities who are entitled to receive LTD benefits,” said Elisabeth Whiting, director of client service and communications. “As the matter appears to be moving before the court, HBT will not comment further.”
Bring your clutter & help fight cancer!
Proudly sponsored by
, Yard Sale for the Cure is an annual fundraiser event held in selected neighbourhoods across Canada. Since 2005, over $1,000,000 has been raised for Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.
Saturday, May 25th,2013- 8:00 am – 1:00 pm,
Vernon parking lot - 5603 - 27th Street
There are 2 ways you can help:
1. DONATE stuff you no longer need 2. Come and SHOP
Call
VERNON at 250-549-4161 to donate.