Vaccines and economic support for a #BetterBC
  Vaccination for COVID-19 is underway! Last month, healthcare workers in long-term care homes and working in acute care were among the first to be vaccinated. British Columbia is following the strategy recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. Between now and February, residents, staff, and essential visitors to long-term care and assisted living will receive the vaccine, along with those awaiting long-term care placement. Healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients in medical settings and paramedics will also receive the vaccine. By the end of 2021, every British Columbian who wants to be immunized will be. Until then, we must continue doing our part to keep our families, friends, and communities safe, especially right now while the COVID-19 restrictions have been extended until Friday, February 5. Our government is working on a system people can use to register for the vaccine during future rollout phases. There are more details available on the government website about the vaccine rollout plan, and which groups of people can expect to be vaccinated through March.  Things continue to be challenging economically for families and individuals as we continue to keep our communities and businesses safe during the pandemic. That’s why our government has rolled out the BC Recovery Benefit. Applications are open for this tax-free payment of up to $1,000 for eligible families and up to $500 for individuals. The benefit will be issued by direct deposit. It takes about 15 minutes to apply for the benefit – time well spent. Make sure you have your 2019 net income amount available because you’ll need it during the application process.  Last year was challenging and complicated, but we made it through like we always do – together. Despite the challenges, there were some bright spots – like when Raj Chouhan became BC’s first-ever South Asian Speaker of the House. To find something to be positive about, we’ve put together a list of nine things we think were pretty good about 2020. Number one on our list? The arrival of the first doses of COVID-19 vaccine in BC in December. We’re so thankful for all the hard work health professionals, scientists, and researchers put in to develop successful vaccines. 
New Democratic Party of British Columbia |
