Okanagan Advocacy & Resource Society

Okanagan Advocacy & Resource Society Providing comprehensive community based legal advocacy since 2002

05/08/2026

Accessibility is not a privilege, it’s a right to every person, regardless of ability, deserves equal access to public spaces, opportunities, education, transportation, and community life. Inclusion begins when we remove barriers and create spaces where everyone belongs. ♿🌈

Let’s continue advocating for a world that is accessible, respectful, and welcoming for all.

05/06/2026

From Research to Action on Gender-Based Violence!

We’ve spent the last year researching how gender-based violence is handled within BC workplaces. Now, we’re sharing those findings and providing the tools to do something about them.

Join our interactive workshop to broaden your knowledge of gender-based violence issues, and develop advocacy skills!

➡️Hear key findings from our research into gender-based violence in BC, and our consultations on NDAs.
➡️Master Advocacy 101. Gain practical skills to influence decision-makers and shape policy within your workplace or at a government level.
➡️Connect with others committed to advancing change

Choose a FREE session in:
📍 Kamloops - May 26
📍 Vancouver - June 5
📍Prince George - June 10

Workshop are open to anyone – including workers, unions, service providers, anti-violence workers, legal professionals, and anyone interested in learning more.

Registration and more info: https://linktr.ee/clasbc

04/28/2026

Supporting someone living with a form of dementia can be deeply meaningful – but it also comes with real challenges. Join us on May 13 in Armstrong for a free in-person lunch and learn where we’ll talk about the ups and downs of caregiving, including guilt, grief, and spotting signs of burnout.

Learn more and sign up here: https://nexusbc.ca/news-and-events/caregiver-journey-lunch-learn

04/28/2026

A new research paper has been released today by the Canadian Tax Observatory on the barriers and challenges related to accessing and qualifying for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). We were happy to support it.

The report titled, Broken Links: Poverty and the Limits of the Disability Tax Credit, articulates very well the issues faced by people with disabilities. Authored by University of Calgary researcher Gillian Petit, it takes a detailed look at the DTC and its role in channeling support for those who need it most.

This is timely research as the federal government works to release its Spring Economic Statement next week. We encourage them to show a signal that they get it and that changes are required to the DTC.

The federal government has indicated it is open to reviewing the DTC—a welcome start, but not just nice to have. We now look forward to action.

The Canadian Tax Observatory intends to undertake more research to propose practical solutions to a problem that has persisted for decades.

We applaud this work and thank the Canadian Tax Observatory under the leadership of Heather Scoffield .

A summary of the report can be accesses here:
https://canadiantaxobservatory.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/CTO_Broken-Links_Executive-Summary.pdf

The full report can be accessed here: https://canadiantaxobservatory.ca/broken-links/

04/18/2026

Get help with your Claim—at no cost to youClaims Helpers are here to support you, wherever you are. They offer free, one-on-one help by phone, video and in person—including community visits. Call the Administrator at 1‑833‑852‑0755 (toll free) between 8 a.m. and 8

04/18/2026

If you have access to your CRA online account, the Canada Grocery Benefit top-up is scheduled to be deposited on June 5, 2026.

This payment is a top-up to the GST/HST credit to help offset the rising cost of groceries. Eligibility is based on your most recent tax return and income level, and no application is required.

If you have access to your CRA account, you can log in to view your payment amount in advance.

Looking ahead, the new Canada Grocery Benefit will replace the GST/HST credit, with the first regular payment expected on July 5, 2026.

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#004/3402 27 Avenue
Vernon, BC
V1T1S1

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Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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