We would like to share an important update with you from Inclusion BC regarding the current status of advocacy for the Bus Pass Program and PWD rates.
It is important for all of us to be current as to the status of what has become a province wide campaign that eclipsed most other stories about the 2016 BC Budget. In summary the timeline of actions and events are:
- BC Budget – Inclusion BC released a statement February 17, 2016 on the BC Budget regarding changes to PWD Benefits. The information in our Press Release was confirmed in Budget Lock-Up. http://inclusionbc.org/disability-supports/whats-new/disability-benefit-rate-increase-equalizing-poverty-bc-s-most-vulnerab
It is important to note that there was no prior consultation with any disability organization or stakeholders regarding these changes to PWD. It is also important to note that previous changes to PWD including the increase in the earnings exemption, Annualized Earnings exemption, streamlining the PWD application process and the increase in the asset limit were all worked on jointly with the disability community, including Inclusion BC.
- Inclusion BC received a high number of calls and emails immediately following the Budget. At that time most were related to the Bus Pass Program as part of PWD benefits. Inclusion BC contacted a senior government official to confirm the status the Bus Pass Program. It was confirmed that the program was cancelled. Inclusion BC then issued a statement to this effect on February 18, 2016.
- Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation connected with Inclusion BC after we released (2) stating that in fact the Bus Pass Program had not been cancelled. We pulled the announcement immediately. During these conversations Inclusion BC and MSDSI officials discussed at length the changes to the PWD program. Inclusion BC stands and continues to stand by our Press Release.
- Inclusion BC received additional information from MSDSI that clarified the changes to PWD. This clarification was consistent with Inclusion BC’s understanding of the changes. Our perspective on the changes is very different than that of MSDSI. Inclusion BC was also told that the changes to PWD announced in the BC Budget will remain as is.
- Inclusion BC launched an on-line petition Raise the Rates, Leave the Bus Pass Alone February 18, 2016 calling for all people to receive the $77/month increase, in addition to continued funding for the annual Bus Pass and Special Transportation Subsidy and that PWD benefits be increased and indexed by October 1, 2016 to $1200/month. http://inclusionbc.org/disability-supports/whats-new/sign-petition-raise-rates-leave-our-bus-pass-aloneThis rate is consistent with the report Overdue which we delivered to MSDSI in 2012 http://www.inclusionbc.org/income-security/whats-new/overdue-case-increasing-persons-disabilities-benefit-bc
- Inclusion BC member agencies supported and organized rallies, letter writing campaigns and attendance at the rallies.
- The Family Support Institute played and continues to play a critical partnering role in getting the word out and ensuring that the petition and the issues are covered across the province. FSI’s networks have been central to the success of all the efforts to keep the issues in the forefront.
- Inclusion BC has also collaborated with a number of community organizations and individuals.
- Inclusion BC supported rallies regarding the petition as well as attending one at the Legislature in Victoria on March 2, 2016 where more than 300 people attended. On this day other rallies were held in New Westminster, the Northshore, Vancouver and Burnaby.
- On March 9, 20126 I delivered the petition with 15,000 signatures to the Legislature. An Inclusion BC Board member concurrently delivered a copy to Minister Stilwell’s constituency office and a member representative delivered another copy to Premier Clarks constituency office in Kelowna. An invitation was sent to Minister Stilwell in advance to receive the petition but she was not available. I was able to deliver it to MLA Michelle Mungall, Opposition Critic for MSDSI. Michelle subsequently presented the petition in the Legislature the same day.
- Since the Raise the Rates petition was launched, many people have also contacted their MLA’s and Minister Stilwell’s and Premier Clarks Offices and sent emails and letters in support of the petition. In the first week of the petition 200 people signed/hour.
- I submitted an Op ED which was published by the Vancouver Sun March 22, 2016 http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Opinion+Pittance+paid+disabled/11800022/story.html
- Media coverage has been province wide and substantial on all channels and all have been supportive of the terms of the petition. In addition there has been media coverage commenting on the media coverage of the issues.
- Inclusion BC, the Disability Alliance BC, the BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society, Al Etmanski, Dr. Michael Prince and Richard Faucher were invited to a meeting with Minister Stilwell on March 22, 2016. At this meeting the Minister indicated a sincere and genuine desire to work together to sort through the issues. We all agreed that this was important and that working together would mean establishing clear timelines for progress and accountabilities. The Minister asked for time to consult with her colleagues. We all supported this and are now waiting to hear back. It was clearly stated that we needed to hear back as soon as possible. While we wait to hear from the Minister, Inclusion BC has not been active in advancing the petition or the issues
In summary, Inclusion BC has a responsibility to all those who signed and supported the petition and our partners to advance a long overdue and serious increase in the rates and a respectful PWD system in BC. We will not back away from the terms of the petition. We are also encouraged by our meeting with Minister Stilwell and look forward to hearing from her this week.
Faith Bodnar
Executive Director Inclusion BC
604-777-9100 ext. 516
inclusionBC.org
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