THUMBS UP to the Rick Hansen Foundation and the B.C. government for its Accessibility Certification. Recently the B.C. government decided to start supporting the initiative with a $9 million grant to cover the rating fee for 1,100 buildings. Over 800 buildings have already applied, according to the Foundation website.
THUMBS DOWN to the Canada Revenue Agency for what was calling its heartless treatment of diabetics. After hundreds of Canadians with Type 1 diabetes becoming ineligible to claim the disability tax credit, even though they’ve previously qualified for it. The CRA insisted there’s been no change in the eligibility criteria, which requires an individual to spend at least 14 hours a week engaged in activities related to the administration of insulin. The CRA said it will review all applications for the disability tax credit that have been recently denied.
THUMBS UP to Canadian Ellen Maud Bennett who, despite an inoperable tumor, chose to fill her last few days with great food, flowers and humour. Bennett also had a final wish for other women of size who may have experienced fat-shaming from doctors. Ellen hoped that women of size would make her death matter by advocating strongly for their health and not accepting that fat is the only relevant health issue. Bennett died in May at age of 64 and lived in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Her obituary was originally posted on July 14 and has resonated with many who have shared similar experiences.
THUMBS UP to Alan Alda has bravely revealed he has Parkinson’s disease. The 82-yearold actor, known for his role on M*A*S*H, says he was diagnosed over three years ago. He says he went public, “to encourage others to take action.”
