Holiday 2016 resources for Richmond
The Richmond Poverty Response Committee would like to wish everyone a very happy holiday season! Please see the attached graphic detailing various events and service closures around the city.
News
First Call releases 2016 BC Child Poverty Report Card
The coalition of organizations focusing on supporting youth in the province, First Call, has just released its annual report on the state of child poverty in B.C. Findings show that one out of every five children in the province live in poverty, which is higher than the national average. Click here to read the full report.
New project announced to eliminate barriers for people living in poverty
The Richmond Poverty Response Committee’s mission is to work towards alleviating the effects of poverty through research, advocacy as well as filling gaps in service. To that end, the RPRC is launching a new project titled “Eliminating barriers to participation for Richmond residents experiencing poverty.” The goal is three-fold — to help those living in … Read more
Federal government considering new parental benefits options
Have you recently welcomed a child into your life? The Canadian government is currently considering making benefits for eligible new parents a little more flexible, and is asking for input from the public on two different options: Allowing combined maternity and parental benefits and unpaid leaves to be extended to up to 18 months at a … Read more
Income-assisted families allowed to keep parental and EI benefits
Following long-time opposition and a recent human rights complaint from a family on Vancouver Island, the provincial government has ended the clawback of maternity and parental benefits from families on income assistance, as well as employment insurance benefits from those caring for terminally ill children. This action benefits some 200 parents in B.C. Read coverage about the … Read more
Celebrate Literacy Month this September
The Mayor of Richmond has proclaimed this September as Literacy Month, with the purpose of encouraging children and youth to develop positive lifelong literacy habits. The Richmond Public Library is giving tips to parents and guardians, one each day, on how to get their kids interested in the topic. Today’s tip involves checking out Tumblebooks, which are e-books … Read more
No clawbacks for new Canada Child Benefit
In July, the federal government announced the arrival of the new Canada Child Benefit, estimating it will help lift more than 16,000 youth out of poverty in B.C. And more good news — there will be no clawbacks for families seeking assistance across Canada. Read more in this First Call: BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition … Read more