For Immediate Release

November 23, 2023

People with disabilities left out of latest Fall Economic Statement

(Toronto) – People with disabilities forgotten yet again in latest budget, as cost of food and housing continue to rise.

We are disappointed to see people with disabilities left behind when many are still grappling with the effects of the pandemic and facing a recession.  We understand the government’s desire for fiscal restraint, but it is unfortunate to see the government fail to acknowledge that a federal income supplement to people with disabilities living in poverty is a matter of life and death.

“The government must show their commitment to the Canada Disability Benefit given the promised made to Canadians with disabilities in the Throne speech over three years ago. People with disabilities living in poverty can’t wait. The Canada Disability Benefit is long overdue,” states Rabia Khedr, National Director of Disability Without Poverty.

Bill C-22 for the Canada Disability Benefit still needs to be called into force. This needs to happen as soon as possible so the deadline for finalizing regulations is not delayed any further. Across the country, food bank usage is at an all-time high and housing insecurity is on the rise.

“We know that Canadians with disabilities living in poverty feel disappointed today. They continue to fall further behind. We will persist in our demand to ‘budget the benefit’ ”, says Michelle Hewitt, national co-chair of Disability Without Poverty.