The Mission of the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (BCCPD) is to support people with all disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and as equal and full participants in society. We champion issues impacting the lives of people with disabilities through our direct services, community partnerships, advocacy, research and publications.

This position will appeal to an individual who enjoys a challenge and has the ability to work independently.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Officer (D.O.) will have a proven track record with the skills and strategic abilities to further develop the fundraising activities of the BCCPD.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the implementation of an integrated development program to generate funds from individuals, corporations, and government agencies. The D.O. will play a key role in the development of the BCCPD’s overall fundraising plan.

Qualifications

1. university degree or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
2. excellent written and verbal communication skills, professional and with a positive attitude.
3. minimum three years direct experience in development and fundraising within a non-profit environment.
4. in-depth knowledge of fundraising principles, theories and practices.
5. demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, both corporate and individuals.
6. extremely well organized, analytical, flexible and detail oriented with the ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines.
7. ability to work independently as well as cooperatively within a team environment.
8. experienced with social media.

Responsibilities

Initially the Development Officer will focus on six key areas:

• annual fundraiser and auction
• annual donor solicitation campaign
• employee gift fund solicitations
• planned giving
• service clubs and other potential funders
• development of fundraising committee

As these key areas increase the Development Officer will be expected to increase their responsibilities to include:

• increasing monthly giving program
• writing grants/proposals to foundations and other potential funders
• procuring sponsorships and managing related tracking and reporting
• managing fundraising database

This is a part-time contract position, initially 1.5 days per week. It is anticipated that these hours will be increased as programs are enhanced.

Compensation: is $13,000 annually.

Please e-mail your resume with covering letter to: Jane Dyson, Executive Director at BCCPDResumes@gmail.com

Deadline: June 10^th (4:30pm)

No phone calls please.

These questions were sent to the four main parties running in the BC provincial election.

See the Green Party responses here.

1. Increasing BC Persons with Disabilities Benefit

Today’s BC Liberals recognize the unique struggles facing persons with disabilities in our province. As part of our Families First Agenda, we have introduced balanced reforms to income assistance policies to ensure all British Columbians share the benefits as our economy continues to grow.

Through changes to monthly earnings exemptions, enhanced earnings exemptions for individuals receiving disability assistance, asset increases and the elimination of separate limits on cash assets, we are increasing supports to individuals, couples and families to help individuals with disabilities lead more independent lives and give their families more opportunities.

The Province also helps cover costs by rebating fuel taxes, lowering the cost of insurance and providing additional homeowner grants for people with disabilities or who have a relative or spouse living with a disability in their home.

Our vision is simple. We believe that British Columbia should be the most progressive jurisdiction for the people and families living with disabilities in Canada.

But there is much more that we can, should, and will do.

If re-elected, Today’s BC Liberals will mandate a white paper on the issues facing people with disabilities in British Columbia. Upon completion of the white paper, it will be circulated for public comment and followed up with a provincial summit in order to ensure we as a government and society are national leaders in reducing barriers and increasing freedoms for people living with disabilities.

2. ICBC Accident Benefits (Part 7)

Under British Columbia’s civil law system, injured parties have access to both no fault Part 7 benefits and cost of future care or wage replacement as part of a personal injury settlement or judgment.  Any changes to Part 7 benefits would have to be considered in light of the impact on basic ICBC rates as set by the British Columbia Utilities Commission and the availability of private insurance and other government benefit programs such as income assistance or workers compensation.

3. Woodlands School Survivors

Today’s BC Liberals acknowledge the former residents of Woodlands who have spoken out about their experiences and the impact it has had on their lives.  We believe that our government has approached this issue in a fair manner, based on a previous court ruling on a different matter.  Our approach has been confirmed as proper by the BC Court of Appeal.  If we ignored the principle of law to compensate one group, like the residents before 1974, it would significantly affect others.  Going forward, we want to resolve all lawful claims that fall within the settlement agreement as quickly as possible.

 4. Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative

The Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative has been part of our government’s commitment to the Provincial Disability Strategy, helping to ensure persons with disabilities have access to the supports they need to achieve their employment goals. Eligible purchases might include wheelchairs and other mobility devices, computer software, van conversions, voice output GPS systems and devices that allow people with visual impairments to read printed text. Since its 2009 launch, EATI has assisted more than 800 British Columbians with disabilities.

Today’s BC Liberals will ensure British Columbia gets our fair share from the Labour Market Agreement negotiations. We have a positive working relationship with the federal government and will work hard to ensure funding continues to be available for programs like EATI.

5. New Guide and Assistance Dog Legislation

Our government has already begun work to update the Guide Animal Act. Last year, public feedback was requested to clarify training requirements, as well as the public access and tenancy rights for qualified and certified guide dogs and service dogs. And we are now undertaking a comparative review of legislation across Canada to determine best practices.

Today’s BC Liberals will continue to work in partnership with the BCCPD and other organizations to modernize the Act to meet the needs of British Columbians who require guide animals.

6. Poverty Reduction Plan

Today’s BC Liberals do not believe that we can legislate away poverty. There isn’t a one size fits all approach to this complex issue – that is why we have regional poverty plans to take into account the needs of communities across the province.

Our government has taken major steps to reduce child poverty, including efforts to strengthen the economy and create jobs and targeting investments to better support low income families and those at risk of poverty. Our plan is working: we have seen a dramatic, consistent decline of almost 45 per cent in the poverty rate since 2003. Approximately 75,000 children have been lifted out of poverty.

B.C.’s child poverty rate is at its second‐lowest point in the past 20 years. Only 2008 – before the recession – had a better result.

We realize we are not there yet but our efforts to strengthen the economy and create jobs while providing targeted supports to low income families are working.

CHANGES TO THE CANADA PENSION PLAN DISABILITY APPEAL PROCESS

On April 1^st 2013, significant changes were enacted to the Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) appeals process: the Review Tribunal and Pension Appeals Board were replaced by the Social Security Tribunal (SST). This represents a substantial change to the way in which CPP-D appeals will be administered.

The changes are too new for the BCCPD to fully determine how the SST system will work in practice. However, it seems clear that the SST’s rules are more legally complex and narrower than those governing the Review Tribunal.

Under the new system, CPP-D appellants no longer have an automatic right to have their cases heard. The SST has the power to summarily dismiss an appeal without a hearing if it determines the appeal has no reasonable chance of success. As well, the Tribunal can decide the merits of an appeal on the basis of written materials and is not obliged to hold an oral hearing.

This change clearly places a new burden on appellants who will need to provide well thought out and argued written arguments about the merits of their appeal when they file it. Appellants who can effectively articulate their position in writing will have a better chance of having their appeal favourably decided without a formal hearing.

An additional new challenge for appellants is that once they have advised the SST that they are ready to proceed with a hearing, they will not be permitted to file additional documents or submissions in support of their appeal. By contrast, the Review Tribunal would accept additional evidence and submissions up to and including the day of the hearing. Because of this change, it is even more crucial that appellants access all relevant documentation and perfect their submission before submitting their appeal.

BCCPD advocates are monitoring the new system closely and will provide community updates and capacity building workshops over the next year.

If you have any questions about the new SST system please contact Peter Beaudin or Robin Loxton at the BCCPD’s Advocacy Access Program at 604-872-1278 or 1-800-663-1278.

The following is information taken from the Social Security Tribunal’s web site:

http://www.canada.gc.ca/sst-tss/home-accueil-eng.html:

●          Decisions will no longer be made by a three member panel, but by a single adjudicator.

●          The SST has the power to summarily dismiss an appeal without a hearing if it determines the appeal has no reasonable chance of success. This places a new burden on appellants. Under the old system appellants had an automatic right to a hearing. Now appellants must provide enough information to show their appeal has a reasonable chance of success when they file their appeal. If the SST intends to summarily dismiss an appeal, it will advise the appellant of its intentions in writing and give its reasons. The SST will provide the parties with a chance to respond before making a final decision.

●          If an appeal is summarily dismissed, the appellant can file an appeal with the Appeals Division of the SST.

●          If an appeal is not summarily dismissed, the appellant will have up to one year to provide additional information. The SST will not proceed with an appeal until the parties have provided a Notice of Readiness to Proceed. Once this Notice is given, the SST will not accept any additional documents or information.  Under the previous system, new information could be provided on the day of the hearing.

●          After an Appellant has provided a Notice of Readiness, the SST will decide how it will proceed. It might hold an oral hearing. This can be done over the phone, in person, or by video conference.

●          If an oral hearing is held, the SST will not provide a translator. Appellants must make arrangements for a translator who will be required to swear they are proficient in the language of the Hearing. Unlike the previous Tribunal, the SST will not automatically reimburse appellants for costs associated with attendance at the hearing. Appellants must make a special application if they wish to be reimbursed for expenses.

●          The SST does not have to hold an oral hearing. It may write to the parties and ask them to provide written answers to questions it might have. After receiving a response the SST may make a decision based on the written record.

●          If a party is not satisfied with a decision they can seek leave to appeal to the SST’s Appeal Division. Unlike a summary dismissal decision, the right to appeal a formal decision is not automatic. The criteria that the Appeal Division uses are similar to the ones that the Pension Appeals Board used to apply. If leave to appeal is granted, the parties will have 45 days to provide any new information or argument. A Tribunal Member will then decide if a hearing is required or if a new decision can be made based on the written record.