Calls for B.C. to repeal COVID-19-related disability 'clawback'
The B.C. government is under pressure to reconsider a change that means some people on disability are getting less money – despite the government's vow to support them through the pandemic.
Earlier in the pandemic, people were able to get federal employment insurance without it coming off their provincial disability cheque. Although B.C. is still reeling from COVID-19's impacts, that's no longer the case.
A statement from Social Development Minister Nick Simons said, in part: "In November, the federal government began replacing broad emergency supports with targeted ones, restoring the EI program to its original purpose. B.C.’s change is consistent with this federal shift."
CTV News spoke to a woman – who wished only to be identified as Keri – who says she lost her job during the pandemic. The changes, which mean each dollar of Employment Insurance is deducted from disability payments, mean Keri no longer gets a disability cheque. She said she only found out about the change in January, by chance.
In a statement, the province said it notified people in mid-December.
BC Liberal social development critic Dan Davies said constituents raised the issue with MLAs. He pointed out that up until this week, the province's own website still said that you could get EI and a disability cheque as part of pandemic supports.
The opposition called this another communication failure, and urged B.C.’s NDP government to reconsider the program, even if it's meant to dovetail into the federal government's program.
"The reality is, the provincial government has the ability to not implement this,” Davies said. “They have the ability to, you know, extend this further or to extend this longer, which is what we're asking."
“This is cruel and unusual punishment to those that are being impacted by this the most,” he added.
The minister's statement went on to say the broad programs put in place at the beginning of the pandemic are being replaced by more targeted supports.
Keri says the experience is demeaning, adding she can no long afford to visit her mom who lives in another city, and who has cancer.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.