B.C. ministers say sorry for repeated chaos caused by repeated computer failures

VICTORIA – B.C. government ministers have apologized for a malfunctioning computer system and say they regret the problems it has caused for staff in the Children’s Ministry.

Social Development Minister Don McRae apologized in the legislature for the service delays caused by computer failures affecting case management files used to deliver social programs including child protection, child-care subsidies and income assistance.

McRae says while the system has had intermittent problems, cheques have gone out, meal and grocery vouchers are available and that misinformation spread by members of the Opposition NDP is irresponsible.

Children and Families Minister Stephanie Cadieux says she regrets that the computer system hasn’t been working for government staff and for people facing delays.

Children’s Ministry critic Carole James says the government has spent nearly half a billion dollars on computer disasters, including $100 million for a failed school system and $100 million to replace it, and another $200 million for the case-management system.

Technology Minister Andrew Wilkinson says the case-management system was working again overnight but began to slow down Thursday morning and that repairing it is a top priority.