BCPRC In the News: 2020 Roundup
COVID-19 RELIEF BENEFITS MEANT TO HELP PEOPLE ON INCOME AND DISABILITY ASSISTANCE ARE COMING TO AN END
The B.C. government is preparing to clawback a COVID-19 relief benefit. B.C. Poverty Reduction Coalition Director Viveca Ellis discusses the potential impact this will have on low income earners, such as seniors and those with a disability.
POVERTY-REDUCTION ADVOCATES DECRY PROVINCE'S CUT TO COVID-19 ASSISTANCE
VICTORIA — For the first time in a long time, Scarlett Nelson was able to buy her five-year-old daughter a new winter coat and boots this holiday season. The reason was because the B.C. government had increased her income assistance payments by $300 a month since April as part of monthly COVID-19 assistance program to the province’s most needy.
TACKLE FOOD INSECURITY WITH STRONGER INCOME SUPPORT IN B.C., SAYS POVERTY ADVOCATE
Too many people in British Columbia have been poor for too long and the COVID-19 crisis has shone a spotlight on how the system must change, according to the spokesperson for a provincial poverty advocacy organization.
NEW B.C. GOVERNMENT MUST PRIORITIZE PREVENTING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THOSE IN SEVERE POVERTY
In our shared work, the B.C. Poverty Reduction Coalition and Pivot Legal Society strategize to build a strong, inclusive response to poverty informed by a foundation grounded in human rights. We take a particular interest in addressing poverty at the provincial level, and that means we closely watch provincial elections and the governments that follow.
THIS PANDEMIC ELECTION IS A CHANCE TO DEMAND A BETTER FUTURE
Since the provincial election was called last week, the focus of debate so far has been the timing. But like it or not, we’re headed to the polls in less than a month — and it’s time to shift gears and focus on the many urgent issues at stake.
PILOT PROJECT WILL GIVE FREE OR DISCOUNTED TRANSIT TO UP TO 100 LOW INCOME EARNERS IN VANCOUVER
The group behind a new pilot project in Vancouver that will provide free or discounted transit fare for some low-income residents hopes it leads to the more ambitious goal of free transit for everyone in B.C. living in poverty.
BC’S RELIEF MEASURES FOR PEOPLE ON INCOME ASSISTANCE ARE WELCOME BUT MORE IS NEEDED
On April 2, the BC government announced emergency financial support for some of the most vulnerable British Columbians: an extra $300 per month for people receiving income and disability assistance and some very low income seniors, for three months. This necessary and welcome measure can’t come fast enough.
