On the B.C. Liberal website applauding the “White Paper” disability consultations, sugary platitudes refer to “respecting and reflecting the needs and wants” of disabled citizens and being the most “progressive” province in Canada for people with disabilities.
But far from the pomp and whistles, the bitter reality of life as a disabled client tells a starkly different story. As a client with three chronic medical disabilities — obsessive-compulsive disorder, clinical depression and advanced osteoarthritis — every day is an uphill battle. But there is little relief from a government hell-bent on putting even more challenges and hardships in my life. And one that neglects my needs as a disabled client.
First of all, I am forced to live on $906 a month from the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation, an income that is essentially unlivable, considering inflation and the extra costs of dealing with disabling medical conditions.
Second, when I need medical support from the ministry, it is non-existent. It took four years and a lengthy appeal to get a standard dental procedure. Already my request for mobility aids due to advanced osteoarthritis is an exhausting battle to get even the most basic assistance.
By far the most harrowing aspect of life under ministry rule are the intensely punitive rules based on an act full of dire repercussions for any non-compliance. The Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act (Bill 27) is simply a repeat of the regular Welfare Act, containing the same long list of “consequences” for any infraction with warnings of reducing and discontinuing benefits.
The language is harsh and unremitting with absolutely no reference to respecting or supporting those with disabilities. It is based on punishment versus entitlement. Accordingly, disabled clients are kept in a constant state of fear.
A disturbing example of this “punishment” mindset is the mandatory rule that all clients apply for early Canada Pension Plan benefits at age 60 to keep their assistance, based on a section of the act about pursuing income to remain eligible for help. The threat of being cut off disability for non-compliance is very real. Some disabled clients have actually had their income terminated because they were too sick to fill out the forms. In my case, a ministry letter informs me that “failure to comply could result in a discontinuance of assistance” and as of May 28, my cheque will “be held” at the office.
To me, applying for early CPP means forfeiting my own future: I am penalized for life by the federal government with a permanent reduction in my Canada Pension Plan benefits. Because any CPP amount I receive is clawed back by the provincial ministry, I never see my pension or reap its financial benefits while I am on ministry assistance. It is not a viable option.
These ministry scare tactics are hard enough for regular clients. But for people with disabilities, they become a matter of life and death. Unlike employable clients, my disabilities prohibit full time work and I am totally dependent on that monthly lifeline. Without it, I have no food, no housing. Is it reasonable or humane for a government to force someone weakened by chronic illness to make such a precarious decision between two untenable options, while at the same time using that client’s very own survival as a bargaining tool? Is this the way that we really want to treat people with disabilities?
The progressive vision of the “White Paper” will only materialize with a new paradigm of support for people with disabilities based on respect and compassion. This means a separate act for disabled clients driven by entitlement versus punishment, enshrining their rights and supporting their medical needs. It would include increased rates indexed to inflation.
And one of first “progressive” initiatives has to be repealing the implacable legislation forcing disabled clients to apply for early Canada Pension Plan benefits to stay on assistance. Five other provinces have done it; the B.C. Liberals should follow suit.
Doreen Marion Gee is a Victoria writer and activist.
