It has been an ongoing battle for people living on disability in British Columbia, as inflation and prices continue to rise — but assistance rates remain the same.

“It is really scary to be disabled in British Columbia; we are in deep poverty,” said Mary-Jean Belanger, Persons with Disabilities (PWD) advocate.

In 2023, the province raised shelter rates for people living on PWD, from $375 a month to $500 — but it’s a stark contrast to the current rental prices that many in B.C. pay to have a roof over their head.

Mary-Jean Belanger, who receives disability assistance and works part-time, has penned a new petition to provincial leaders — calling for immediate revisions to raise shelter allowances.

“I want them to make a policy change where the shelter rates will stay as the current marke

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