Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) responds to B.C. Coroner’s inquest recommendations on the tragic passing of Florence Girard
(February 5, 2025 – Vancouver, B.C.)— The Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Florence Girard. The recent Coroner’s Inquest into her tragic passing has amplified critical concerns about the safe care, monitoring, and oversight of individuals supported under Community Living BC (CLBC).
FSI has been hearing from a growing number of families who are sharing their fears, concerns, and anger about the safety and well-being of their loved ones. Many families feel unheard and unsupported as they seek assurances that individuals with disabilities are receiving the care and supervision they require to live safe and healthy lives.
A key recommendation from the inquest is the reinstatement of the Provincial Medical Consultant role within CLBC. This position previously existed but was removed several years ago. The Provincial Medical Consultant at CLBC provided critical guidance on medical interventions and health-related concerns. FSI has been advocating to reinstate this role for years, recognizing that its removal has created serious gaps in medical expertise, oversight and care for individuals with complex health needs.
FSI also supports several additional recommendations from the inquest, including an increase in training for caregivers and CLBC staff on medical conditions and emergency response, the establishment of a robust incident reporting and review process, and the implementation of mandatory health and safety monitoring protocols. These measures are essential in preventing future tragedies and ensuring that individuals in care receive timely and appropriate medical attention.
“The reinstatement of the Provincial Medical Consultant is an essential step toward safeguarding the well-being of individuals supported by CLBC,” said Angela Clancy, Executive Director of FSI. “But this must be coupled with increased monitoring, better training for caregivers, and stronger accountability measures to protect vulnerable individuals. Families deserve to have confidence that their loved ones are receiving safe and appropriate care. We urge the provincial government and CLBC to act quickly to implement these critical changes.”
FSI stands firmly with families as they seek answers in this tragic time. We remain committed to advocating for stronger policies and accountability measures that protect the most vulnerable members of our community. We call on CLBC and government stakeholders to listen to the voices of families and take immediate action to implement meaningful changes prioritizing safety, dignity, and quality of care.
Find the Verdict of the Coroner’s Inquest at this link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/birth-adoption-death-marriage-and-divorce/deaths/coroners-service/inquest/2025/florence_marie_girard_verdict.pdf
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About Family Support Institute of BC:
The Family Support Institute (FSI) supports families who have family members with disabilities and mental health challenges. FSI is unique in Canada and is the only grass-roots, family-to-family support organization. FSI believes families are the best resource to support one another and the most vital voice for their family members. FSI supports all families with children of all ages, disabilities, and concurrent conditions. FSI’s supports are free to any family.
For media inquiries, more information, to share your experiences, or to seek support for you or your loved one, please contact:
Angela Clancy
Executive Director
Family Support Institute of BC
(604) 540-8374 ext 6
5 Responses
This is a very disappointing statement from FSI.
Hi Karyn, we are sorry to hear that. We don’t say what we’ve said here lightly; we have heard from many families voicing similar concerns regarding their loved ones. And we’re open to hearing your concerns too; if you wish to elaborate on your statement, please contact our Executive Director Angela Clancy at .
There is no comment about how our loved ones with disabilities would be better in their families own homes. If the government actually supported families properly, they could stay in their family home. Most families want that. Also, CLBC needs to be removed, trashed, gone. Not just changed. The interview on the news tonight is more evidence of that.
I agree with you Karyn. Family Support Institute does feel that families should be supported to keep their kids at home. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. At the Family Support Institute, we deeply value the diverse experiences of families and individuals navigating these complex systems.
Our intent with this media release was to acknowledge the heartbreaking reality that some families face when they make the difficult decision that their loved one needs to transition to care outside the home. We want to ensure that no family feels guilt or shame for making the choice that is best for their circumstances – and by making broad comments about families keeping their kids at home could potentially burden families with feelings of regret, guilt, shame etc when our intent with this statement is to advocate strongly for a better system of care regardless of what decision a family makes. Some individuals do not have family members who can care for them, and others may reach a point where maintaining care at home is no longer sustainable for a variety of reasons (illness, age, capacity etc). Systems must be responsive, supportive, and accessible no matter what decision a family makes.
At FSI, we recognize and advocate for a system where families who wish to continue caring for their loved one at home receive the necessary supports to do so. We have always fought for this, and will continue to do so. At the same time, we believe it is crucial that those who make the painful decision to transition a loved one into care are met with compassion, resources, and appropriate services.
We appreciate your feedback and remain committed to amplifying the voices of families in all their experiences. If you have further thoughts, we encourage you to reach out—we are always open to dialogue that helps strengthen support for families.
I will also say, about the removal of CLBC – I realize they are failing families in many ways. The issue with just collapsing that system, is what is the alternative? MSDPR? Health? Remember, MSDPR is closely linked to CLBC, and failed individuals and families terribly when they did have adult services. Health is the system where track 2 MAiD lives, supporting the mass genocide of people with disabilities simply because they have a disability. What would be the alternative? collaborative, solution focused planning needs to take place – not attacks and lofty statements with no alternative and no clear option to keep people served. Family Support Institute is committed to having those discussion, and supporting that planning.