Thank you very much for inviting me to speak to you today on the progress Canada is making toward being barrier-free. Talking about accessibility to any level of government is always complicated, because responsibility is siloed. However, our lives as disabled people do not work in this way, and I believe the tone set by the federal government trickles down to other areas of influence. Therefore, I believe it's your job to set the bar high and expect that everybody else at least meets that standard.
DWP Reports & Submissions
This page provides links to reports and resources developed by Disability Without Poverty (DWP), including Shape the CDB and the Disability Report Cards, Angus Reid polls, and submissions to HUMA, SOCI, the Senate, and other key officials and stakeholders.
Angus Reid Institute
- Canada Disability Benefit: Nine-in-ten support benefit, but most doubt federal government will get it done: Angus Reid Institute
- Canadians concerned about disability poverty, on-board with proposed new national benefit: Angus Reid Institute
Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development (HUMA)
- 2024 Disability Without Poverty Michelle Hewitt appears at HUMA committee meeting
- 2022 Disability Without Poverty National Chair Michelle Hewitt appears LIVE at HUMA committee meeting
Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (SOCI)
Our Care Reports
Submissions
Michelle Hewitt
I have had the privilege to fly on a number of occasions. It is always extremely stressful and usually results in some damage somewhere to my wheelchair. I could give you a laundry list of things that have happened, but I'll concentrate on one major event.
Disability Without Poverty
In order for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) to be available to eligible disabled people as soon as possible we ask that the Government of Canada commit $10B in the first year to deliver this benefit, rising by $2B annually until the additional costs of disability are met.
Michelle Hewitt
Thank you for the opportunity to speak to the Standing Committee on National Finance on Tuesday June 14th, as part of your deliberations on the omnibus budget bill, C-19. I hope I clarify any issues that you wished to hear more about below.
Michelle Hewitt
I would like to focus on one small section of the massive bill you have before you found in Part 1(e) of the summary, expanding eligibility to the disability tax credit, known as the DTC.
Michelle Hewitt
I am a disabled woman with multiple sclerosis and live in Kelowna, B.C. At times, my disease has been aggressive and it's fairly advanced. I use a power wheelchair. I have severe fatigue and pain that is sometimes severe. However, I have a great quality of life.