DABC Recommendations for BC Budget 2027

The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services holds an annual public consultation on the next provincial budget. DABC recently submitted our recommendations for Budget 2027. Read it below or download itDABC Recommendations for BC Budget 2027.

Learn more about the consultation process here: https://consultation-portal.leg.bc.ca/consultations/195.

Please note that we were only able to submit a maximum of three recommendations.


Budget 2027 Consultation

Disability Alliance BC (DABC) Submission to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services

Disability Alliance BC (DABC) is a provincial cross-disability charity, advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. The focus of our submission will be on ensuring that the BC Government invest in programs which will improve the financial security of low-income people with disabilities across our province, particularly focused on Disability Assistance, Public Transportation, and Medical Equipment.

Recommendation 1 (300 characters): Indexing Disability Assistance rates to inflation, and removing clawbacks from employment insurance income and spousal income for people on Disability Assistance.

Explanation (2000 characters):

DABC notes the small increase to Disability Assistance made in December 2025 for couples, however overall rates to the support portion of Disability Assistance has not been increased for individuals since 2021. DABC argues that the rate of inflation over the past 5 years has been significant, particularly so for people with disabilities and low income individuals and families. DABC calls upon the BC government to make good on their commitments to poverty reduction as listed on page 34 of the 2024 Poverty Reduction Strategy, specifically: “considering the case for indexing rates to inflation”, and “Considering income exemptions that could stack benefits and help people retain more income – Examples could include changing the rules around spousal income or exempting federal benefits like Employment Insurance from income.”

People on PWD deserve to feel financially secure; they should have reassurance that their PWD income will increase if inflation increases; and they should feel secure in knowing they can access their federal right to Employment Insurance (EI) without having their PWD income clawed back.

EI should be treated as a form of earned income, not unearned income, because workers contribute their employment earnings to EI through a deduction in their pay cheque. Everyone who pays EI premiums can rely on EI benefits being there when they need them, including PWD clients, however the difference is that PWD clients “are required to pursue and accept the other income or means of support,” meaning that they must accept EI if they are eligible, but have no recourse to stop their PWD income from being clawed back. We believe this clawback of EI benefits discriminates against PWD clients, which hinders them from escaping the cycle of poverty.

Recommendation 2: Streamlining the provincial bus pass program for people with disabilities to include HandyDART rides:

Explanation:

DABC calls upon the provincial government to make good on a campaign promise within the BC NDP’s action plan from the 2024 election, namely “Improve transit for people with disabilities by bringing BC’s HandyDART service into government, instead of sub contracting the service to a private company.” DABC wishes to see HandyDART brought within government control not only because it will guarantee greater accountability to the public and the disability community on the state of its operations, but will also pave the way for HandyDART to more easily become integrated into the BC bus pass program, which is available to seniors and people on Disability Assistance.

Transport 2050 states that its goal is “a “fairer and more just and inclusive transportation system that truly delivers on the promise of Access for Everyone.” A more inclusive public transportation system would involve bringing HandyDART into the BC bus pass program so that low income people with disabilities who are unable to navigate conventional public transit would be able to access this much-needed service. Currently, people on Disability Assistance have to pay out of pocket for HandyDART, which we believe is a form of financial exclusion.

Recommendation 3: Establish an Assistive Devices Program in BC

Explanation:

In BC, most financial coverage available for adults for assistive devices is available for people on Disability Assistance only. Aside from Disability Assistance coverage, some people also may qualify for assistive devices through WorkBC if they can establish a work-related barrier due to a disability; however, this still excludes many people with disabilities.

People with disabilities who do not qualify for these two options above are left to purchase expensive medical equipment on their own or to seek out help from non-profits and charities. This creates an inconsistent system of care for people with disabilities in our country, as both Alberta and Ontario have programs that provide this coverage. The Province of Ontario has the Assistive Devices Program, and the Province of Alberta has the Aids to Daily Living Program.

DABC recommends that the BC government follow the lead of other provinces in establishing this support program that is offered to people with disabilities beyond those who receive Disability Assistance. An immediate first step would be to extend eligibility to low income seniors and to people who solely receive CPP-D.

CRA Announces Upcoming Changes to the Disability Tax Credit Application

On June 16th, 2026, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced upcoming changes to the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) application process that will impact the way you are able to submit an application. 

Key dates to note: 

  • July 14, 2026: You will no longer be able to use the “Submit Documents” section in your CRA account to send DTC applications or related documents, unless the CRA specifically requests additional information. You must send your DTC application to the CRA using the digital DTC application form or by mail. 
  • September 8, 2026: Older versions of Form T2201 (issued before 2023) will no longer be accepted, as they do not meet the updated requirements. You will need to submit a new application if the version of your form is from before 2023. 

For more details, please refer to the link below:
Help speed up your disability tax credit application – Canada.ca 

We recognize that this can add an administrative burden on both applicants and their medical practitioners.  

You can still apply for the DTC by either: 

  • mailing in a paper application (Form T2201 – The Disability Tax Credit Certificate).
  • Applying for Part A of the form by phone with a CRA agent: 1-800-959-8281 or using the automated voice service (1-800-463-4421); and having your medical practitioner complete the Part B form online through a digital portal .

Tips on completing an application: 

  • If your medical practitioner is submitting your application through the digital portal, ask your medical practitioner to see your application before they submit the application so you can be prepared for the CRA’s decision.  
  • Stay up to date on CRA’s latest processing times to see how long you might have to wait for a decision 
  • If you have not heard from the CRA, and it has been a while, check in with your medical practitioner to see if they need to submit a questionnaire requesting additional medical information. 
  • If you need help with your application, denial, renewal or appeal, contact Access DTC: 604.872.1278 or dtc@dabc.ca. 

DABC Job Posting: Facilities Coordinator

Open: May 20, 2026
Closes: June 12, 2026
Location: Vancouver, BC
Category: Facilities and Office Administration
Type: Full-time
Salary: $60,000

Who We Are

Since 1977, Disability Alliance BC (DABC) has been a provincial, cross-disability voice in British Columbia. We are a non-profit, charitable organization that champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities. Our mission is to promote a more inclusive and equitable society for people with all disabilities through direct services, community partnerships, systemic advocacy, research, and publications. through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications.

About the Position

Reporting to the Office Manager, the Facilities Coordinator will carry out general office tasks, workspace set up and maintenance, and vendor relationships to ensure a safe, efficient, and well-maintained office and welcoming environment. They will coordinate repairs, maintain inventory of office supplies and equipment, coordinate facility vendor services, and handle administrative support to optimize workplace functionality.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Schedule and oversee preventative maintenance, repairs, and renovations for building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing).
  • Assist with on and off boarding of staff and volunteers, for example: setting up workstations (including computer equipment) and assisting with access needs and ID badges.
  • Facilitating office moves
  • Minor repairs such as changing lightbulbs and assembling office furniture.
  • Liaise with third-party service providers, contractors, and building management for cleaning, security, and repairs.
  • Manage office inventory, including IT items, furniture, equipment and stocking of all office supplies (stationery/pantry/cleaning supplies and other sundries).
  • Liaising with staff on file storage and management
  • Conduct daily health and safety checks throughout the office and ensures building regulations are being followed.
  • Ensuring office cleanliness between daily janitorial visits.
  • Respond to building maintenance emergencies and address security protocols.
  • Support in the development and revision of related policies and documents
  • Coordinate social events such as the annual staff picnic, end of year holiday party and other staff events

The successful applicant must have:

  • Post-secondary education in a relevant field such as office administration and or facilities management, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
  • Functional proficiency with office technology and building infrastructure
  • Knowledge and/or experience with workspace set up (connecting monitors, keyboard, mouse and camera to computer)
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build trust and maintain supportive relationships with employees across diverse backgrounds.
  • Ability to act ethically and handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
  • Strong organizational, time management, and administrative skills, including the ability to manage multiple time sensitive requests simultaneously such as repairs, maintenance and administrative tasks.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
  • Proficiency with computers and computer programs, including Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel, Word, Outlook, and client database systems.
  • Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle

The following are strong assets for this position: 

  • Experience in the non-profit sector
  • Experience with a disability and/or supporting people with disabilities

Salary: $60,000 annually

This position offers the following benefits after a three-month probationary period:

  • 15 days of paid vacation annually
  • 18 days of paid sick leave annually
  • 100% of the cost of extended health and dental care benefit premiums
  • 2 weeks of paid time off during DABC’s annual holiday office closure in December
  • Employee wellness benefit

Working hours and location

This position is 5 days per week at 8 hours a day (including 1 hour as a paid lunch break). The successful candidate will be required to work in the office five days a week.

The position is located in downtown Vancouver, on the traditional, ancestral and stolen lands of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples

Please note, the DABC office will be moving to 41st and Cambie area by approximately October 2026.

About your work area

You will be assigned your own desk in an open area (collaborative space). There are designated quiet spaces which staff can book when needed. DABC also provides noise canceling headphones as the noise level can be elevated at times. The office lighting consists of fluorescent as well as natural lighting. This position will require the candidate to safely negotiate the use of a ladder, tools, and other office equipment. This position will require the candidate to walk around and/or stand for periods of time.

Commitment to Equity

DABC is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of inclusion, anti-ableism, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented, including Indigenous persons, people of colour, and people of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. People with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request.

Importantly, we are looking for people who want to make a long-term commitment to our organization and have a strong desire to uphold the rights and dignities of people with disabilities.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and brief covering letter addressed to Kimberley Payne, Office Manager at kimberley@dabc.ca using the subject heading “Job Application: Facilities Coordinator”. Inquiries about this position may be emailed to the above noted email address. In the interest of fairness during the recruitment process, meeting requests regarding this position will not be granted. No phone calls, please.

Applications are due no later than midnight on June 12, 2026. DABC welcomes all applications, however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Applicants must be legally allowed to work in Canada.