DABC's response to Bill 22-2020, Mental Health Amendment Act
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
COVID-19 supports for IA and PWD recipients extended
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 joins call to end street checks - add your voice!
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
