For Immediate Release

Disabled Canadians encouraged by MP presenting the Canada Disability Benefit Petition to the House of Commons

Toronto – The Canada Disability Benefit e-petition is scheduled to be presented on Thursday, February 10 by MP Mike Morrice of Kitchener Centre. “The government is expected to re-table the bill, and it can’t be soon enough for people with disabilities living in poverty,” states the petitioner, Michelle Hewitt, from BC, who is also the Co-chair of Disability Without Poverty. “We now call on the government to fast-track its implementation, co-creating its design with an independent panel of disabled people. We are grateful to MP Mike Morrice for supporting this petition,” she continues. The petition promoted by Disability Without Poverty received 17,874 signatures from across the country and garnered a ringing endorsement by 43 Senators recently.

“I truly hope that we can come together as a society, united in working together to improve conditions for people with disabilities,” states Luca Patuelli from Quebec, Co-Chair.

“We have to do better for the future of people with disabilities now. The inequities were further exacerbated for racialized people with disabilities and newcomers with disabilities,” says Ali Mohamed of Toronto, a member of the DWP Leadership Group.

“Good federal disability policy that is driven by public interest could make all the difference between a life lived in perpetual poverty or a life with opportunities. Let’s make a guaranteed livable income for people with disabilities a reality, rather than just a bold proposal,” says Alberta based Andrea van Vugt, a member of Disability Without Poverty’s leadership team. “We are prepared to work with governments, with everyone involved-regardless of their politics, regardless of the party-to bring forward this bill that truly benefits every person with a disability living in poverty,” states Rabia Khedr, National Director of Disability Without Poverty based in Ontario.