DABC's Review of the Canada Disability Benefit proposed regulation

September 23, 2024 by DABC

When first announced in September 2020’s throne speech, the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) held the promise of lifting people with disabilities out of poverty.

The CDB as proposed underdelivers on this promise; people with disabilities will only be able to receive a maximum of $2,400 a year. For most, this is not enough to cover higher costs of living or exorbitant medical costs associated with living with a disability.

Regulations published in June 2024 reveal restrictive policies around eligibility criteria, income thresholds, and earning caps that may further entrench people with disabilities in cycles of poverty. DABC has published an in depth review of the proposed regulations, with 20 recommendations for change. This review has been submitted to the federal government during the consultation period.

You can read our review here:
https://disabilityalliancebc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Canada-Disability-Benefit-In-Depth-Review-by-DABC.docx.

Elections Engagement Workshop from BCPRC

September 20, 2024 by DABC

The BC Poverty Reduction Coalition (BCPRC) is urging party leaders to take action on three key poverty-reduction policy sectors: housing, transportation, and assistance rates. Sign their digital postcard to echo the call for poverty reduction policy in BC!

In the 90-minute workshop, BCPRC will look beyond voting to identify ways you can make sure to have your issue heard by candidates. The more we speak up at critical times like elections, the more candidates know this is something the public cares about. If no one at a town hall asks about affordability or poverty reduction, they might think that is an issue that matters less in the riding.

Closed captioning will be used, but there will not be ASL for this session.

Register here.

  • Why do we engage in democratic processes?
  • Forms of engagement
  • Tips and tricks for engaging – focus on talking with candidates
  • Making our questions for candidates
  • BC elections information

Participate in research about wildfire smoke

September 13, 2024 by DABC

There is a new research study: “Wildfire Smoke and Health Recommendations: Understanding Community Values, Preferences, and Needs”, led by Dr. Chris Carlsten, Dr. Nick Bansback, Dr. Pat Camp, and Dr. Stephanie Harvard of the University of British Columbia.

The research team is looking for people across British Columbia to participate in a 60- to 90-minute focus group or interview about health recommendations and decision-making around wildfire smoke. Focus group/interview participants will receive $60 for their time after completion. 

To express interest in participating in a focus group or interview, please visit this link and fill out the screening survey. A research team member will contact respondents to follow up.

Download the flyer with more information here.