Hello Deaf Community,
On March 1, 2011, Telus sent a letter to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, “CRTC” requesting an extension of its video relay services (“VRS”) trial from 12-month period ending June 30, 2011 to an 18-month period, ending January 15, 2012.
BC-VRS needs letters from the Deaf community to show that you support the extension of the trial and to request for a permanent VRS for all Deaf Canadians.
We have included two sample letters for you to choose which one fits you, for you print out and sign. After you sign, do not forget to write in PRINT your name, your home address and contact-back e-mail address, etc.
It is up to you whether you want to use this letter, or write your own personalized one. You may wish to include more personal viewpoints, for example, positive personal stories how VRS is a benefit for you, or another example, that you would prefer a permanent VRS for all provinces in Canada to utilize for their daily communication. Please be sure to have your mailing and contact information included in the letter. And, BC-VRS would like you to cc our Committee in your letters so we can count and track how many letters came from B.C. in support.
BC-VRS Committee members will also be busy in the next two weeks distributing the sample letters at various events and organizations, please look for them: Janice Lyons, Nigel Howard, Sarah Hrycenko, Lisa Anderson-Kellett, Margo Pelkey, David MacDonald, Dan LeCours, Julie Baxter-Lampitt, Russ Ward, Ava Hawkins and Susan Masters.
If you haven’t seen us and want a copy of the letter to sign in support, please do e-mail to bcvrsc@gmail.com
BC-VRS would also appreciate support from organizations that serve the Deaf community as well.
Let the CRTC know that we want VRS services to continue and NOT cut off! Let’s be ‘loud and clear’ in what we want!
Vlog to come soon.
Sincerely,
BC-VRS Committee
bcvrsc@gmail.com
