City of Vancouver seeks feedback on Accessibility Strategy
The City of Vancouver is looking for feedback as they draft their accessibility strategy. They have just launched an on-line survey through the City’s new tool called, “Shape Your City”! Deadline is July 31st, 2021.
Please click here to access the survey: https://shapeyourcity.ca/accessibility-strategy.
All of the responses will be compiled to inform the Phase 1 of the draft Accessibility Strategy.
New developments on the proposed Canadian Disability Benefit
There have been a number of new developments today on the proposed Canadian Disability Benefit (CDB), which the federal government promised to implement in its September 2020 Speech from the Throne. The CDB, if implemented, will likely be modelled after the seniors’ guaranteed income supplement, and we hope it will supplement instead of replace existing federal and provincial supports.
Bill Tabled
The Bill for the CDB (Bill C35) was tabled (formally introduced for discussion) by Minister Qualtrough earlier this morning. The Prime Minister gave a press conference at 11:15 am Eastern, followed by Minister Qualtrough at noon. The text of the Bill is available here: https://www.parl.ca/LegisInfo/BillDetails.aspx?Language=e&Mode=1&billId=11446219.
Angus Reid Report
Angus Reid has just released a report on the results of its survey on disability and poverty. The report, which can be found here, indicates that 89% of Canadians are in favour of a CDB.
New Website: Disability Without Poverty
Disability Without Poverty is “a movement led by people with disabilities, supported by our families, friends, service providers, supporters, allies and organizations.” The movement’s goal is to “make sure the Canadian Disability Benefit becomes a reality.” DWP launched its new website today, which can be viewed here: https://www.disabilitywithoutpoverty.ca/. A French version of the website will be available soon.
This is all very exciting news, and DABC will be closely following any further developments.
DABC Celebrates Pride Month!
June is Pride Month! Pride Month celebrates 2SLGBTQIA+ people in all of their diversity. It also acknowledges the struggles those communities have faced and continue to face due to heterosexism and transphobia, and the activism 2SLGBTQIA+ people have done to advance equal rights, sometimes at a risk to their own safety.
We recognize and acknowledge that people with disabilities who are 2SLGBTQIA+, due to their intersecting identities, often face intense discrimination and marginalization. Many of our staff, volunteers and clients are 2SLGBTQIA+. We will always stand strong with these communities, and continuously work to ensure that our office is a safe space for everyone.
To all of those who are celebrating: Happy Pride!