B.C. government criticized by advocates for cancelling Call for Response No. 206764
Illustration by Sage Blackwell.
The B.C. government, under BC New Democratic Party (NDP) leader David Eby, has cancelled Call for Response (CFR) No. 206764 — a government-held bid that sought service providers to implement early language services for Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard-of-Hearing children. These services include language schooling, in-person sign language interpretation, and primary schooling services for Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard-of-Hearing children, as well as specialized schools.
In response to the cancellation of the CFR, 0 to 5 FutureBC — an advocacy group hoping to have the CFR reinstated — released a petition alongside several documents, outlining the importance of the services and calling on provincial leaders to take immediate action.
Susi Bolender, former director of Provincial Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (PDHHS), said the cancellation of the CFR without explanation was unacceptable. According to Bolender, the document took more than two years to create, and was developed in consultation with experts to ensure it met best practices.
In a letter shared by 0 to 5 FutureBC, concerned parents urged provincial leaders to immediately reinstate the CFR, engage directly with Deaf-led organizations, affirm the government’s commitment to preventing Deaf language deprivation, and collaborate across ministries to implement early language access.
In a statement to the Martlet, Nigel Howard — the spokesperson for the group, and an ASL instructor at UVic — said these early language services “would change over a century of oppressive practices that prioritize a medical model over a language model, and ensure that every baby born with hearing loss has the best chance at developing equally with their peers.”
They also requested protections for evidence-based supports for children aged zero to five, a public report within two weeks explaining the cancellation, a statement regarding whether reinstatement will occur, and the rationale behind their decision.
0 to 5 FutureBC requested a 30-minute meeting with provincial leaders to discuss the cancellation of the CFR, however, Howard said the group has not received any communication regarding a meeting, and feels they have been dismissed.
“Having [the CFR] cancelled without explanation is causing a worldwide reaction as B.C. was poised to be the leader [for] having the most comprehensive program for Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard-of-Hearing children…. For the Deaf community, this action was a devastation.”
One academic article published in 2017 by the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found that language deprivation in children aged five and younger had permanent consequences for their long-term neurological development.
An article published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that children whose hearing loss was identified earlier, and received earlier intervention, had significantly better language development later on.
“[These early language services] represented a landmark opportunity to build a sustainable model for early language access in British Columbia. It drew national attention and inspired families, educators, and professionals across the country who saw a clear path toward stronger early language development for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Deaf-Blind children,” 0 to 5 FutureBC said in a letter, undersigned by over 30 Deaf associations, advocacy groups, and allies.
The Martlet asked Jodie Wickens — Minister of Children and Family Development — about the impromptu cancellation of the CFR, whether or not there was any intention for a replacement, and if Deaf communities would be consulted in the process of developing a replacement. In an emailed response, the ministry stated:
“There is no reduction in early language services for children with a hearing difference. To ensure continuity of early language services, the existing agreement with B.C. Family Hearing Resource Society will be extended until March 2027.”
The Martlet then asked what date the CFR was cancelled, and when the decision to extend the current contract was made. The ministry confirmed the CFR was cancelled on Oct. 2, 2025.
The ministry did not provide the date of the extension, but did confirm the decision was made after the cancellation of the CFR. The ministry’s statement was provided to the Martlet on Oct. 10, suggesting the extension was made between Oct. 3 and Oct. 10.
0 to 5 FutureBC was formed one day after the CFR was cancelled, on Oct. 3, 2025.
“It’s clear more consultation and engagement is needed with families, those with lived experience and experts to inform an improved model for the delivery of early language services,” the ministry said.
Howard told the Martlet that the government should establish a Deaf-led consultation group to assist in the development of future CFRs and policies, and suggested an advisory group at the provincial level to help guide matters affecting Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard-of-Hearing communities.
He also said the process of developing services and CFRs for Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard-of-Hearing communities should be a collaborative effort between different ministries, as Deaf people exist in every facet of society.
The decision to cancel the CFR “reinforces hearing-centric systems and audist attitudes that have historically excluded Deaf-led expertise from shaping programs that affect their own community. It erodes trust in government processes that were beginning to recognize Deaf people as a cultural and linguistic minority rather than solely a disability group,” Howard said.
“Without early access to sign language, Deaf children face language deprivation, social isolation, and disconnection from their cultural heritage.”
The Martlet reached out to the office of Premier David Eby. The office responded, pointing to the statement obtained from the Ministry of Children and Family Development. The Premier’s office did not provide any additional comments.
The Ministry of Children and Family Development said they would open a competitive process for these services again, prior to March 2027.
