August 19, 2016
The Open Letter, “Raise the Rates, Leave Our Bus Pass Alone” was signed by over 160 organizations. The letter was reprinted in full with the full list of signatories in the Georgia Straight here: http://www.straight.com/news/703596/more-160-organizations-write-premier-christy-clark-opposing-changes-bus-passes-people
There is also web-page including the Open Letter, a timeline of all the events organized by many groups, letters to MLAs, city council resolutions and media coverage: http://bcpovertyreduction.ca/campaigns/disability-campaign/
So far, we have had no response from the politicians on this issue although there has been some shift in language from the government, now calling the change a $25 increase plus a $52 “transportation allowance” so they are clearly continuing to feel the pressure from us!
Disability Day of Action, September 1
We are now writing to invite you to join us in the next action that we have planned. The implementation of this policy change will come into effect on September 1 and we need to show the government that we are still outraged by this change! So, we are coordinating a day of action, featuring events outside welfare offices from noon-1pm on September 1. We will support the events with a communications strategy, including a draft press release and media list, but we need your help getting people on the ground.
We’ve designed it to be outside welfare offices so that it doesn’t have to be a huge crowd to be effective. We already have Vancouver and Victoria confirmed, and Maple Ridge and Richmond tentatively in, but it would be great to have representation throughout BC. We need your help!
In Vancouver, there is a march at the Broadway & Commercial SkyTrain station from 11am to Noon, on Thursday, September 1, 2016. More information on the Facebook Event page.