Voting and accessibility…

Hey everyone, there is a federal election coming up on Monday, September 20th.

Check out the Elections Canada website Accessible Voting page for resources to help you vote! They have separate information available about:

If you can’t find the accessibility information you’re looking for, call Elections Canada (1-800-463-6868 or (TTY) 1-800-361-8935).

Election Time!

Hey everyone, there is going to be an election this month on September 20th, and CLBC’s August 27th update had some great information and resources to help get prepared:

Elections Canada helps make voting accessible:

Upcoming BCPF workshop:

BC People First (BCPF) wants to help people with diverse abilities to feel ready to vote and to know their voting rights, and they are hosting a workshop on Sep. 13th. Join presenters and BCPF Members Jo-Anne Gauthier and David Sherritt on Zoom from 1:00pm to 2:15pm PDT. You can find full details and register here.

Coping with Natural Disaster stress…

Hey everyone, CLBC’s August 27th update had some great information and resources to help cope with stress caused by natural disasters. Wildfires and floods can be a major source of stress and anxiety. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, know that you are not alone. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has a website dedicated to information and resources to help.

There are also free, confidential support and crisis lines available 24/7:

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) presentations

Hey everyone, CLBC’s August 27th update included information about several presentations being hosted by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for people with disabilities and caregivers:

  • Persons with Disabilities Presentation – September 2 and October 12, 2021 from 1:30PM – 2:30pm PDT  
  • Benefits and Credits for Caregivers Presentation – September 14 and October 5, 2021 from 1:30PM – 2:30pm PDT  
  • Scam Awareness Presentation – September 29 and October 26, 2021 from 1:30 – 2:15pm PDT

There is a full list of upcoming presentations and registration links here.

CLBC Update for Individuals & Families

Hey everyone, CLBC’s update for August 27th is now posted. All CLBC updates are posted on their website here and you can sign up to get updates using the link to the sign up page.

Highlights included this update:

COVID-19 and Rapid testing…

The Government of Canada has provided more information about rapid testing for COVID-19. Rapid testing has been an effective tool to curb outbreaks of all kinds. There are now rapid tests approved for use in Canada. They are:

  • Easy to administer
  • Able to provide results in 15 minutes
  • Critical for preventing outbreaks in workplaces with close-contact employees
  • Free for select businesses and non-profit organizations

More information about rapid testing can be found here.

COVID-19 vaccinations and second doses…

The Government of Canada has been reminding us that second doses of COVID-19 immunizations are important. Receiving a second vaccine dose for a 2 dose schedule is essential to provide better and longer-term protection against COVID-19 for individuals and for the entire community.

A different vaccine product may be offered for a second dose, which is known as vaccine interchangeability or a ‘mixed vaccine schedule’.

You can find more information about second doses of COVID-19 vaccines here.

EVACUATIONS: Emergency Support Services (ESS)

Hi all, there is a new way to get into contact with Emergency Support Services (ESS) if you are affected by wildfire. You can call 1-833-498-3770 to register and access assistance from Emergency Support Services, such as for lodging and food.

A reminder, too, that the ESS reception centre in the Kelowna area is physically located at 1480 Sutherland Ave.

EVACUATIONS: More orders, more on alert…

Hey everyone, there have been more evacuation orders and more evacuation alerts overnight for the Mount Law wildfire (between West Kelowna and Peachland). Please check the new information (below) and pass it along to anyone affected.

News Release No. 7 Central Okanagan, B.C. —  An additional 18 properties in the Regional District of the Central Okanagan and Peachland have been added to the Evacuation Alert area for the Mount Law Fire.

Properties added to the existing alert area are inclusive of 4740 Trepanier Road (northwest end) to 4980 Trepanier Road (southeast end) and include:

  • 4850 to 4855 MacKinnon Road
  • 4802 to 4995 Trepanier Road
  • 4902 to 4975 Star Place

Residents in the Alert areas are advised to be ready to leave their home at a moment’s notice. They should be prepared to be away from their home for an extended period of time, pre-register with ESS online at ess.gov.bc.ca, make arrangements for pets and pack essential items such as medicines and important documents.

The EOC has also expanded an Evacuation Order onto crown land in the southeast corner of the Mount Law fire. This expansion Order does not include any private property. The Gorman Mill site remains under evacuation alert.

All other Evacuation Alerts and Orders remain in effect. For a map of the affected properties in the Central Okanagan, visit cordemergency.ca/map.

Accessibility