May 29th, 2024
Canada Disability Benefit Petition
We’ve been following the progress of the Canada Disability Benefit for some time now. The stated purpose of this potentially ground-breaking national benefit is to lift Canadians with disabilities out of poverty. The goal is to top-up or supplement provincial programs such as ODSP, ensuring people with disabilities have the money they need on a monthly basis. Note that the province has announced a 4.5% increase to ODSP payments in July of this year, consistent with the provincial government’s commitment to index ODSP to inflation, but inadequate to meet people’s monthly basic financial needs.
Unfortunately, the Federal budget has included a rollout of the CDB at a level that is entirely inadequate to meet the purpose. The benefit has been capped at $200 per month for those eligible. Here is a recent opinion column regarding the implementation of the Canada Disability Benefit. This article also gives insight into the importance of benefit.
A petition has been initiated and is currently collecting signatures. We thought you should be aware of this petition and have the opportunity to endorse it, if you align with its intention.
Please note that the petition is open until June 21st.
We sincerely hope that the Federal Government will increase its investment in the Canada Disability Benefit to meet its intended purpose.
Yours in community,
Allan Mills
Executive Director
