VICTORIA—The Campbell government is dragging its feet on protecting anaphylactic kids at school, forcing students and parents to wait for months for answers, New Democrat Education Critic David Cubberley said today.

Cubberley’s Private Members’ Bill, the Anaphylactic Student Protection Act (M210), was called for second reading in the Legislature this morning. But after a short debate, it became clear that the B.C. Liberals were unprepared to support the Bill, opting for further study by way of an advisory committee.

“I’m disappointed that the Campbell government has chosen not to support the Opposition’s Bill,” said Cubberley, NDP MLA for Saanich South. “When B.C. Liberal MLAs spoke on this issue in the Legislature, they acknowledged that the status quo is unacceptable and that change is needed. Yet they refused to put their support behind it.”



Introduced by Cubberley on March 28th, 2007, Bill M210 would protect more than 13,000 B.C. students who suffer from life-threatening allergies while at school. It requires that every anaphylactic student have an allergy plan in place so that if a severe allergic reaction occurs, teachers and staff can take immediate action -- possibly saving a child’s life.

While debate on the Bill is adjourned, Cubberley does not foresee the government bringing it forward again for passage by the House.

“By allowing this legislation to die on the order paper, the Campbell government is doing a disservice to the families and advocates demanding change, to the teachers and staff who are unsupported in their efforts to protect anaphylactic kids, and to the affected students themselves,” said Cubberley.

“Rather than hide behind a committee, the Campbell government must take action now. Pass this Bill and provide assurance to parents that come September, B.C. students will get the protection they deserve.”