Shaping social policy to support people living with mental illness and substance use
The impact and government response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold. Within a few short weeks, we have witnessed the announcement and rapid roll out of numerous policy interventions and programs to meet the changing needs of British Columbians. There have been increases to income and disability assistance, freezes on evictions and rent increases, wider access to safe supply, modifications to shelter spaces, and much more. All of this is positive – but is it enough?
People who are living with mental illness, substance use or without homes continue to face considerable inequities and endure increased hardship due to the pandemic. In this webinar, CMHA BC will convene a panel of community leaders to discuss what people are experiencing, what policy interventions are working, what else is needed, and how the pandemic could change the future of our social safety net. We’ll hear from:
- Douglas King, Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS)
- Erin Pritchard, Disability Alliance of BC (DABC)
- Meenakshi Manoe, PIVOT Legal Society
