BC Liberal MLA Dan Davies, Opposition Critic for Social Development and Poverty Reduction, on Monday continued to press Premier John Horgan and the NDP government as to why they have chosen to claw back 50 per cent of the supplemental COVID-19 Disability Income Assistance from people with disabilities during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is outrage growing throughout the province over why John Horgan and his NDP government are clawing back pandemic benefits for vulnerable people with disabilities,” said Davies. “People with disabilities often incur additional costs, they often cannot work in the same capacity as other British Columbians, and they are some of the most vulnerable members of our community when it comes to COVID-19. To take away the additional supports they rely on in this time of crisis and hope no one would notice is completely unacceptable.”

Starting in January 2021, the supplemental COVID-19 Disability Income Assistance will be reduced from $300 per month down to $150 per month. Although British Columbians are eligible for a one-time payment of up to $500, British Columbians will be forced to undergo an application process with no guarantee that they will receive the full amount promised, say the BC Liberals.

“John Horgan and the NDP have completely disregarded the entire purpose of our supports for people with disabilities — improving accessibility,” said Davies. “John Horgan is taking away a steady supply of monthly income and replacing it with a series of obstacles and challenges that will make it incredibly difficult for people with disabilities to access the support they need. It’s time for John Horgan to reinstate this funding and re-evaluate his approach to helping those who are most vulnerable in our province.”