February 24, 2022 (Surrey, BC) – Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia (SPARC BC) announced they are partnering to provide 600 cell phones to support our most vulnerable Métis Citizens in urban, rural, and remote communities.
This innovative partnership will provide Métis Citizens with a pre-loaded phone that has a $10 network card and be Wi-Fi enabled.
MNBC’s Ministry of Community Services will work with Chartered Communities and the Ministry of Housing and Homelessness to determine needs throughout BC. In addition, some phones will come pre-loaded with the LifeGuard App to provide wrap-around support to those who need it most.
“This partnership means many of our most vulnerable Métis Citizens, no matter where they are in the province, will have access to vitally important telecommunication devices,” says Patrick Harriott, MNBC Minister of Citizenship and Community Services. “Our government will continue to identify ways to support our Citizens and Métis Chartered Communities.”
“SPARC BC is pleased to have the opportunity to partner with MNBC on this initiative,” says Lorraine Copas, Executive Director, SPARC BC. “We know the importance of access to basic communication and feel grateful that through our partnership with the Province of B.C. and 7-Eleven that we have been able to come together to ensure that vulnerable families and individuals have access to a basic smartphone. In having access to this basic technology, vulnerable families and individuals are better able to access basic services and can participate more fully in their community and the broader society in ways that are meaningful and important to them.”
SPARC BC is an independent, non-partisan, registered charity that works with BC communities in building a just and healthy society for all. This is the first collaboration between MNBC and SPARC and a major partnership between MNBC and a leader in the non-profit sector.