The sister of Angie Robinson, the mother who took the life of her son with autism before committing suicide, is calling on the provincial government to provide more support for parents of children with special needs.
During a press conference in Victoria hosted by Inclusion BC, a non-profit group that advocates for people with developmental disabilities, Michelle Watson said there was no reason for the situation to escalate to the point that it did.
"That tragedy was completely preventable," she told media.
"She had no support. Everything that she had had for Robert — as he grew older and needed more support and services — was taken away from him."
To ensure no other families face a similar situation to Robert and Angie, Inclusion BC is hoping to partner with the provincial government to build capacity and establish six Regional Community Inclusion Advocates, with the Northwest representative based in Terrace. Inclusion BC notes this recommendation is inline with the recommendations of the Coroner's Inquest held in late September.
"The Coroner's Inquest made it clear that children with special needs do not have access to information and advocacy support that could help connect them to vital support systems within the community. Inclusion BC is in a unique position to establish regional community inclusion advocates," wrote Inclusion BC executive director Faith Bodnar.
"As we struggle to come to terms with why Angie, Robert and their family did not receive the support they needed to thrive in their community, we are all responsible for what we do now."