In solidarity with the anti-racism protests across the US and Canada in recent weeks, we have been thinking about systemic racism in Canada, and how we can be more accessible and representative in our direct services and systemic advocacy. We acknowledge our ongoing responsibility to listen and learn to ensure our disability advocacy is anti-racist, inclusive, and considers how disability intersects with other forms of oppression. We are committed to doing our own research and creating space for feedback from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) and people from other marginalized communities about how we can do better.

The federal government has announced a tax-free one time COVID-19 benefit of up to $600 for people who were eligible for the Disability Tax Credit as of June 1.

More info: https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/06/05/prime-minister-announces-supports-canadians-disabilities-address

Kicking off AccessAbility Week, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Shane Simpson announced last week that the provincial government will, for the third year in a row, provide funding to community projects that improve accessibility and inclusion. The grants will be disbursed by Disability Alliance BC.

From the Province’s news release:

“Disability Alliance BC is thrilled to be distributing another round of grants to community organizations across B.C. to promote accessibility and inclusion in the province,” said Justina Loh, executive director of DABC. “In the past two years, we have seen some very innovative and creative projects come to life, and we have seen the number of people impacted by these community projects. We look forward to supporting more organizations across the province and hope that new organizations apply for funding this year.”

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020SDPR0031-000964?fbclid=IwAR1hsRrgjyNwTxC83aDhjAeDbnYvLm4HUjL0eVTbrRG8uYAcBvhJWhNzi80