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

DABC has joined the call led by Black Lives Matter – Vancouver, BC Hogan’s Alley Society UBCIC, BC Civil Liberties Association and WISH Drop-In Centre Society for the Vancouver Police Board, City of Vancouver and the BC government to address systemic discrimination in policing by implementing an immediate ban on street checks in Vancouver and BC. Street checks disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, racialized and low-income communities.

Read the open letter here: https://bccla.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Open-Letter-Ban-on-Street-Checks-July-2020-FINAL.pdf

You can join the call to action and sign the petition here:  https://act.bccla.org/banstreetchecks

UBC Health Mentors program is looking for volunteer Health Mentors (or caregivers) who live with a chronic illness and who want to share their healthcare expertise with UBC students. Help new healthcare students learn about patient centered care! The program starts in September 2020 and runs until May 2021. Given Covid-19, mentors should be able to meet with students virtually through Zoom or Skype.

For more info and to apply: https://meetingofexperts.org/progra…/health-mentors-program/