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.

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!

The Accessible British Columbia Act has received Royal Assent and is now law. While during the Bill passing process, DABC made it well known our concerns and disappointment over the ABCA’s shortcomings, at this time, we are aiming our advocacy sights on ensuring that the regulations and standards to be developed under the Act will be meaningful and impactful to reducing barriers for British Columbians with disabilities.

For more information about the Accessible British Columbia Act, please visit: the accessibility legislation web page where you will also find frequently asked questions about the legislation and an ASL video overview.

The Ministry is also taking applications for a Provincial Accessibility Committee. This PAC will work closely with the Ministry and its Accessibility Secretariat to pave the way for regulations and standards to be developed under the Act. To find out more about the committee, please read the notice of position.