The government is feeling the pressure. We can’t let up now.

On March 25, over 60 Liberal MPs signed an open letter demanding a fully funded Canada Disability Benefit be a part of the Spring Federal Budget, due to be released on April 16.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland must take into consideration what it will take to leave no one behind in her affordability-themed budget – this is a chance to make our voices heard.

Minister Freeland talks about “Canada (being) stronger when everyone has an equal chance to succeed”. Disability poverty is an emergency, and people with disabilities can’t wait any longer. We have a window of opportunity make this Canada Disability Benefit what we need it to be.

To turn up the heat and push for the Canada Disability Benefit to be fully funded, DWP is organizing an Emergency Phone Blitz from now until Friday, April 5 to flood the Finance Minister’s office with messages of support for a Canada Disability Benefit that will lift as many disabled folks as possible out of poverty.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland can be reached at her constituency office in Toronto at 416-928-1451 or in her Ottawa House of Commons office at 613-992-5234. We encourage you to call anytime from now until Friday, April 5. Call the Minister of Finance using the script below.

SCRIPT – Modify to use your own words:

“Hi, my name is ________. I live in city/town.

I am calling to let you know that the Canada Disability Benefit must be fully funded in the 2024 Federal Budget.

1 in 4 people with disabilities live in poverty. They can’t afford their basic needs.

This is unacceptable. We know that disability can lead to many extra costs and I am looking to you to take action. A fully funded benefit would help lift people with disabilities out of poverty.

*****

If phone calls are not your thing, here are other ways to take action:

Visit https://www.fundthebenefit.ca/

Sign the petition the fund the Canada Disability Benefit now!

https://www.leadnow.ca/fund-cdb-petition/

Send a digital postcard to our Finance Minister to #FundTheBenefitNow