Child advocates are urging the British Columbia government to reinstate the Family Benefit bonus, which was discontinued on July 1, 2025. The bonus provided up to $713 annually to low-income families with two children. Advocates, including the First Call Child and Youth Advocacy Society, argue that its cancellation pushes vulnerable families deeper into poverty, especially with ongoing high costs of living like rent and food, despite the government stating it was a temporary measure for high inflation.
Advocates call on B.C. government to reinstate Family Benefit bonus
Vancouver
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Child advocates are urging the British Columbia government to reinstate the Family Benefit bonus, which was discontinued on July 1, 2025. The bonus provided up to $713 annually to low-income families with two children. Advocates, including the First Call Child and Youth Advocacy Society, argue that its cancellation pushes vulnerable families deeper into poverty, especially with ongoing high costs of living like rent and food, despite the government stating it was a temporary measure for high inflation.
Trending- 1 July 1, 2025: B.C. government discontinues the Family Benefit bonus
- 2 Recently (before July 10, 2025): Child advocates raise urgent concerns and call for the bonus's reinstatement
- Low-income families, such as Meghan de Jong's, are experiencing increased financial hardship
- Advocates warn of deeper poverty for vulnerable families
- Families feel their struggles are being overlooked by the government
What: Child advocates are calling on the British Columbia government to reinstate the Family Benefit bonus, which was discontinued.
When: The bonus was discontinued on July 1, 2025. Advocates made their call recently, as reported on July 10, 2025.
Where: British Columbia, Canada, with specific mentions of Vancouver and Prince George.
Why: The B.C. government discontinued the bonus, stating it was temporary and provided when inflation and interest rates were high. Advocates argue that low-income families still face extraordinary cost pressures (rent, food) and are being pushed into deeper poverty without this support.
How: Advocates, led by the First Call Child and Youth Advocacy Society, are publicly urging the province to re-instate the bonus.