B.C. premier-designate pledges to extend autism funding for at least one year

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 10, 2026

Photo courtesy: CP24

VICTORIA, British Columbia — British Columbia’s incoming Conservative government has pledged to extend the province’s Autism Funding Program for at least one year, offering reassurance to families concerned about losing financial support for their children.

Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson made the commitment ahead of the October 24 provincial election. He also promised to review plans to replace the existing program with a broader disability support system.

However, the extension has not yet taken effect. Families are still waiting for the incoming government to confirm when the changes will begin and how they will be implemented.

Doerkson promises continued support for families

Doerkson outlined his commitment in a written response to Fair Autism & Disability Funding BC Society, a parent-led advocacy group, on October 18.

He said a Conservative government would maintain the Autism Funding Program for at least one year under its existing rules.

Children already receiving funding would continue to qualify. Meanwhile, children diagnosed after the election would remain eligible under the same conditions.

The Conservatives also pledged to review the planned transition to the BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit and Disability Supplement.

The review aims to address concerns that some families could lose financial assistance under the proposed changes.

Why families are concerned about the transition

The previous BC NDP government introduced plans to replace the existing Autism Funding Program with a broader disability support system.

Under the province’s published schedule, autism funding is set to end on March 31, 2027.

The replacement system is designed to provide assistance based on a child’s support needs rather than an autism diagnosis alone.

However, some families remain concerned about eligibility and whether the new benefits will cover the services their children currently receive.

The Autism Funding Program helps eligible families pay for services such as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy and behavioural support.

As a result, changes to the program could affect how parents arrange and pay for their children’s ongoing care.

Advocates seek clarity on disability benefits

Fair Autism & Disability Funding BC Society has welcomed Doerkson’s written commitment but continues to seek answers about the broader disability support system.

The group wants to know whether families qualifying for the new Disability Benefit and Supplement will continue receiving assistance.

This includes children with disabilities other than autism who may be eligible for the new programs.

Advocates have also asked when the one-year extension would begin and whether the government would complete its review before the extended program ends.

The organization confirmed that no official changes to the existing funding schedule had been announced as of October 27.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Children and Family Development postponed information sessions about the planned disability benefits.

The advocacy group has urged the incoming government to provide clear timelines so families can plan therapy, support services and other essential care.

The BC Conservatives won the October 24 provincial election, putting Doerkson in a position to lead the province’s next government.

However, the government’s published Autism Funding Program schedule still identifies March 31, 2027, as the end date.

An extension would require the incoming administration to confirm the revised timeline and explain how current and new applicants will be affected.

Families are also awaiting details about the promised review of the Disability Benefit and Supplement.

Until the province announces changes, the Autism Funding Program remains available under its existing eligibility requirements and published schedule.