Resources

Many new and existing resources have been made available to Canadians and British Columbians who are facing uncertainty or hardship due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. See below for types of assistance that may be available to members of the VCC community. 

Last reviewed: March 18, 2021

 

Essential services

Essential services are the daily services essential to preserving life, health, public safety and basic societal functioning in our daily lives. These services should and are encouraged to continue operating throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. see list

Provincial Health Officer (PHO) orders

In a Provincial State of Emergency, the PHO can make orders as needed, which must be followed by all British Columbians. view orders

Prepare to stay home

Do your part by ensuring you’re prepared to stay home. learn more 

Non-medical questions

The Government of B.C. has created an information hotline dedicated to answering non-medical questions about COVID-19, such as those related to travel recommendations, social distancing, and government resources. More than 110 languages are accessible. learn more

Phone: 1.888.COVID19 or 1.888.268.4319
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily

VCC awards and bursaries

Each year, VCC offers hundreds of scholarships and awards to deserving students. Loans and bursaries may also be available to students who demonstrate financial need.  learn more

U-Pass BC

As of January 2021, students will be billed for U-Pass on a term-by-term basis. Students with courses scheduled between January-April 2021 will have their U-Pass eligibility re-assessed and their accounts charged or credited based on current schedule information. U-Pass eligibility status will be subject to re-assessments in case schedule information is changed. learn more

International students

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has stated that the transition of Canadian post-secondary programs to online studies will not impact visas, study permits, or post-graduate work permits. learn more

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning has been made available as a free, complementary educational resource for registered VCC students. learn more

Renters

Updates have been made affecting residential tenancies that impact landlords and renters due to the COVID-19 pandemic. LEARN MORE  

Emergency Housing

Existing shelters remain operational and can be found via bc211.ca. Select Vancouver community centres have also been activated to shelter people who are experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. These sites will accept people who are referred by Vancouver Coastal Health, and will be staffed 24/7.

Employment Insurance (EI) regular benefits

Employment Insurance regular benefits may be available to individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, including COVID-19-related layoffs. LEARN MORE

Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits

The Government of Canada is waiving the one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits for new claimants who are quarantined, and there will be no requirement to provide a medical certificate. LEARN MORE

Income assistance

B.C.’s existing income assistance program continues to be available for eligible people in need. LEARN MORE

Disability assistance

B.C.’s existing disability assistance program continues to be available for eligible people in need. LEARN MORE

Worker safety

WorkSafeBC offers information on rights regarding health and safety in the workplace. LEARN MORE

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

A tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. learn more

Child care options 

Information and benefits to assist parents with child care needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. learn more

T2200/T2200S Declaration for Working at Home Due to COVID-19

Employees who worked from their home in 2020 due to COVID-19 may be able to fill out form T2200 or T2200S to claim deductions on a personal income tax return. learn more

COVID-19 Money Navigator

Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV) can connect you with multi-lingual money coaches and personal navigators who can help you access benefits and financial supports. learn more

Climate Action Tax Credit

The Government of B.C. is offering a one-time enhanced B.C. climate action tax credit payment. learn more

BC Hydro

Customers affected by COVID-19 may defer bill payments, arrange for flexible payment plans, or access grants. learn more

ICBC (Auto insurance)

Customers who are facing financial challenges due to COVID-19 may defer monthly payments with no penalty. learn more

 

Here2Talk

The Government of B.C. has launched Here2Talk, a new mental-health counselling and referral service for post-secondary students available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Students can access free, confidential, single session counselling services by:

Medical Services Plan (MSP)

Temporary Medical Services Plan coverage may be available. learn more

Emergency travel assistance

Canadians outside Canada who are directly impacted by COVID-19 are able to apply for an emergency repayable loan to facilitate their return to Canada and to cover basic essential needs. learn more

COVID-19 EMERGENCY BURSARY FUND

Help students meet basic needs during COVID-19

           Donate Now                     Donate Now          
https://www.vcc.ca/makeagift