DWP In The Media

For Immediate Release 
March 12, 2025

FINAL CANADA DISABILITY BENEFIT REGULATIONS FALL SHORT

Disability advocates urge Canadians to press election candidates to #BetterTheBenefit 
 

The Canada Disability Benefit is Coming – Key Timelines and Next Steps

Big news! The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) is moving forward, marking a significant milestone in the fight for financial security and dignity for persons with disabilities across Canada.

We extend our gratitude to all the advocates, organizations, and individuals who championed this benefit, ensuring that economic inclusion remains a priority. While we await the final regulations to be published in Canada Gazette, Part II, we now have a clear timeline for implementation:

Last year, Disability Without Poverty (DWP) and Campaign 2000’s Disability Report Card graded the federal government an “I” for Incomplete on its promises to Canadians with disabilities.

This year, that grade has been downgraded to an unequivocal “F” because the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) falls woefully short of the expectations it raised and the needs it promised to address.

The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) was introduced with great promise: a direct path to financial support for low-income individuals with disabilities, offering a chance to break free from poverty. Yet this promise is undermined by a major obstacle: the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

Bill C-422, backed by Port Moody-Coquitlam MP Bonita Zarrillo, would scrap two requirements for applicants trying to receive the Canada Disability Benefit.

Report card finds people with disabilities experience disproportionately higher rates of poverty in Canada.

Canada’s Failing Grade in Tackling Disability Poverty: A Call to Action

Disability Without Poverty and Campaign 2000 issue joint Disability Poverty Card highlighting failures of the federal government to end disability poverty and call for a strengthened Canada Disability Benefit.