PUZZLING ASPECTS TO RECOVERY HOUSE CLOSURE

The impending closure of Belaire House, a drug and alcohol recovery
facility for women in Kelowna, has taken a strange twist.

The fundamental story is straightforward: the Belaire Recovery Society
which for 14 years has operated the house says the provincial government
has reneged on an agreement to fund the collective agreement that it signed
with its nine house employees almost two years ago.

According to society president Micky Smith, the intent to sign a collective
agreement was there as early as 1996 when the B.C. Government Employees'
Union certified Belaire, but staff then agreed not to pursue it because the
society couldn't afford it.

The society survived on funding from a daily bed rate paid by the
government through both the Ministry for Children and Families and the
Ministry for Social Development and Economic Security.

Staff continued to receive just above minimum wage until two years ago when
the collective agreement was signed. Then their wages were raised to $10 an
hour although the collective agreement stipulated they be paid just over $16.

The understanding was that once the society secured a service contract from
the then-Ministry for Children and Families, the back wages would be paid out.

In the interim, a new provincial government was elected, the MCF agreement
was rolled over to the Ministry of Health and the MSDES agreement was
rolled over to the resurrected Ministry of Human Resources.

While the Ministry of Health is still paying, Human Resources has said it
will not cover the collective agreement and that leaves Belaire $100,000
short each year on the cost of running the house and paying staff. Simple math.

But throw in a private detective and an anonymous, would-be whistle-blowing
employee and the story takes a sharp type turn to left field.

Two weeks ago a private detective claiming he was hired by the board of
directors, arrived at the Capital News asking questions about Belaire House.

This is in addition to a series of anonymous e-mails, over the last three
months alleging infighting and power struggles at all levels concerning
Belaire House.

For her part, Smith says she knows nothing of the private detective and
characterizes relationships between the board, executive director Paula
Kleiman and the nine staff members as cordial.

"That's incredible," said Smith, when told about the private detective.

"No one on the board has hired any private detective."

Smith said the board will be meeting next week to discuss how to close
Belaire and dispose of its assets, which include a recently-renovated
duplex which houses the 10-bed facility.

The facility is scheduled to close Nov. 23.

Smith said no new clients will be accepted unless they are short term.

She said existing clients are either near the end of there stay or will be
given assistance to find a new place to stay.

"We are simply devastated to have to take this action," she said.