---
title: "Doerkson pledges to extend BC's Autism Funding Program for at least one year"
description: "Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson has committed in writing to maintain BC's Autism Funding Program under its current rules for at least one year. Without the extension, the program was to end March 31, 2027."
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/news/doerkson-autism-funding-extension-november-2026"
last_updated: "2026-11-10T19:42:02.740Z"
---

Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson has pledged in writing to maintain BC's Autism Funding Program under its current rules for at least one year, the Canadian Inquirer reported on November 10, 2026. Without the extension, the program was set to end on March 31, 2027 and be replaced by a broader disability support system.

The commitment was made in a written response to the Fair Autism and Disability Funding BC Society, dated October 18, 2026. The Canadian Inquirer reported that children already receiving funding would continue to qualify, and children diagnosed after the election would remain eligible under the existing conditions.

The program assists eligible families with services including speech-language therapy, occupational therapy and behavioural support, the Canadian Inquirer reported.

## What the platform promises

The Conservative Party of BC's 2026 platform, page 35, promises to extend the existing Autism Funding Program and to review the move of autism support to the Disability Benefit and Disability Supplement, so no family loses the financial support it needs. That promise is tracked at [/bc/provincial-2026/tracker#gov-promise-extend-autism-funding-program](/bc/provincial-2026/tracker#gov-promise-extend-autism-funding-program).

The platform also promises, on page 35, that families will keep access to independent support providers of their choice, and says a Conservative government will not force families into a centralized care model.

## Implementation pending

The Canadian Inquirer reported that the government has not yet confirmed implementation details or timelines, as the new government had not yet been sworn in at the time of reporting. Premier-designate [Lorne Doerkson](/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/lorne-doerkson) is expected to be sworn in with his cabinet before the end of November 2026, though no date has been announced publicly.

The Autism Funding Program's current end date of March 31, 2027 means families who rely on it have several months before the program's planned transition would take effect under the previous government's schedule. Doerkson's written commitment is to pause that transition for at least a year.

Families who rely on the program can follow updates at gov.bc.ca and track the government's promise at [/bc/provincial-2026/tracker#gov-promise-extend-autism-funding-program](/bc/provincial-2026/tracker#gov-promise-extend-autism-funding-program).

## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](/bc/provincial-2026/sitemap.md) for all pages.