Aimed at addressing longstanding inequities that lead to financial insecurity, hardships and social exclusion faced by persons with disabilities, a bill introduced by Delta MP Carla Qualtrough was tabled in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
The legislation is to establish the framework for a new Canada Disability Benefit.
Qualtrough, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, said the Canada Disability Benefit would supplement, and not replace, existing federal and provincial-territorial supports with a goal of lifting hundreds of thousands of persons with disabilities out of poverty.
A news release notes stakeholder engagement has already started with the recent launch of an action plan and a public survey that asks Canadians how the Government of Canada can build a barrier-free country.
Engagement activities will continue through the summer and fall.
The legislation also recognizes the leading role that provinces and territories play in providing supports and services to Canadians with disabilities and the importance of engaging with them in developing income and other supports, the news release states.
The federal government also notes it committed in the 2020 Speech from the Throne to develop the first-ever Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
It would include, among other things, a new Canada Disability Benefit
“When the pandemic struck, Canadians with disabilities were hit hard. Many experienced job loss and financial pressures, which increased existing financial insecurity and hardship. By proposing to create the new Canada Disability Benefit, the Government of Canada is responding to the unique and vital needs of persons with disabilities,” said Qualtrough.
“This supplementary income benefit would help people to rebound and to fully participate in all aspects of our society and economy. It would address the longstanding financial hardships experienced by persons with disabilities predating the pandemic, and would be an investment in the realization of a fully inclusive society. Canadians with disabilities continue to be at the centre of our country’s inclusive recovery.”
Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for social services and disability are to meet this summer for an initial discussion on the proposed new benefit.
The federal government currently provides supports to Canadians with disabilities, largely seniors and children, through direct targeted, statutory income programs and tax measures.
