Shape the CDB

Read the National Reports here:

Read the English Provincial Reports in PDF here:

Read the Provincial Reports with text-description here:

Read the French Provincial Reports here:

This three part project, aimed at helping the government learn and understand the needs of disabled people across the country, sought the perspectives of the marginalized or hardest-to-reach communities listed in the DIAP Report.

  • Phase 1: An online survey that reached over 4000 disabled people.
  • Phase 2: Peer-to-peer in-depth conversations with 300 disabled people. 
  • Phase 3: Asked project participants to share how the CDB could change their lives. This is Disability With Possibility. 

The findings of the report are clear. A fully funded CDB is needed urgently.

This benefit would make a huge impact in the lives of people with disabilities, now representing over a quarter of Canada’s population.

This benefit is critical to help disabled people pay for the basic necessities of life, manage the extra costs associated with disability and have a chance to live productive lives full of dignity and possibility.

Key Findings

7 Principles for a Successful CDB

Urgency: the benefit must happen quickly; July 2025 is a long time away from now. 

Dignity: A successful CDB should actually lift disabled people out of poverty, providing an income that is above Canada’s Official Poverty Line.

Added Costs: According to the Canada Disability Benefit Act, the additional costs associated with living with a disability must be taken into consideration regarding the amount of the benefit.

Inclusive Eligibility: Disabled people who already receive a federal, territorial or provincial benefit should get immediate access to the CDB.

Simple Application: The application process should be easy, seamless, fast and simple. The form should be written in plain language and available in multiple languages as well as various accessible formats.

A Fair Benefit: The CDB should be responsive to the changing circumstances of applicants. This includes adequately addressing the higher cost of living, the challenges of finding and keeping steady employment and the additional financial burdens that come with disabilities.

Keep Disabled People involved in the process: The government should include people with disabilities in developing, implementing and monitoring the CDB program.

Better the Benefit Campaign click here.