If you haven’t yet filed your taxes, you can still file your 2019 income tax and benefit return!

The CRA extended the deadline to pay amounts owing to September 1, 2020. Penalties and interest will not be charged if you make your payment by September 1, 2020. This includes the late-filing penalty.

You will continue to receive important payments to help you through the COVID-19 crisis. But if the CRA has not assessed your 2019 return, information from your 2018 return will be used to calculate the benefit and credit payments sent to you until September 2020.

Last week, DABC wrote to the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions regarding Bill 22, which would allow designated hospitals to authorize involuntary detention of youth following a substance overdose. While we appreciate the bill’s positive intent, we share the concerns others have raised about involuntary care —  particularly without proper safeguards for those that want to challenge their detention. We are hopeful the government will engage with affected communities and advocacy groups before proceeding further.

Read the letter here:
https://disabilityalliancebc.therightfitbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2020July2-Letter-to-A-Dix-J-Darcy-Re-Bill-22.pdf

Minister Shane Simpson has announced an extension of the emergency COVID-19 supports for people receiving income assistance (IA ) and the Persons with Disabilities benefit (PWD).

The exemption of CERB and CESB will continue for the duration of those benefits, and the $300 supplement for those not eligible for CERB will be extended for two months (the July 22 & August 26 cheque issues).

While this is great news, we continue to advocate for the increase to become permanent. To sign the petition organized by 300 To Live, go here: https://www.300tolive.org/open-letter.html

Read the provincial government’s news release here:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020SDPR0036-001223