Increases to Persons with Disabilities Rates (PWD) on the Horizon

By Bryce Schaufelburger | Published: September 19, 2016

Summary:

On September 15, Finance Minister Michael de Jong presented BC’s Fiscal Update, signaling that the government is looking at PWD rates in the next provincial budget.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Westminster, B.C. – On September 15, Finance Minister Michael de Jong presented BC’s Fiscal Update, signaling that the government is looking at PWD rates in the next provincial budget.

“Rates must be increased and maintained at a level that allows people with disabilities in BC to have a dignified and respectful quality of life,” said Faith Bodnar, Executive Director of Inclusion BC

“BC has much ground to make to get our rates to livable levels and I appreciated Minister de Jong’s remarks.”

With BC’s fiscal outlook being the best in Canada at an anticipated $1.9 billion surplus, Inclusion BC is encouraged at the prospect of a meaningful increase in rates, along with indexing to the cost of living.

“We are looking forward to working with Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation to take swift and significant action to address the abject poverty of BC’s most vulnerable citizens”

The next provincial budget is due to be released in February 2017, Along with our partners, Inclusion BC will be pressing for an immediate increase, as well as a plan to maintain the rates at a level that better reflects the needs of people with disabilities.

On February 16, 2016 the Government of British Columbia announced a monthly increase of $77 to PWD, while introducing a new monthly fee of $52 for the transportation pass previously included. 150 organizations and thousands of BC citizens have joined together to mobilize support for raising the rates.