March 29, 2022

Government responds to 17,874 Canadians who want Disability Benefit fast tracked

(Toronto) – Disabled Canadians Expect the Canada Disability Benefit to be Tabled Soon, following yesterday’s response to the Petition coordinated by Disability Without Poverty and presented in Parliament by Green Party MP Mike Morrice.

In the official government response, the Parliamentary Secretary, MP Irek Kusmierczyk, reiterated government support for the Canada Disability Benefit, saying the government intends to move forward as fast as they can. While Disability Without Poverty applauds this, we look forward to seeing the Canada Disability Benefit Bill tabled without hesitation – and we will continue to ask #WheresTheBill.

“We thank the government for their response, and have been assured that the concerns of working age persons with disabilities living in poverty will be addressed”. However, our question ‘Where’s the bill?’ still remains unanswered.” states Rabia Khedr, National Director of Disability Without Poverty.

“The Canada Disability Benefit is an important step to providing people with disabilities the independence, autonomy and dignity they deserve. We encourage all parties to move forward with its design, introduction and implementation without further delay,” states Michelle Hewitt, Disability Without Poverty Co-Chair.

At least 40% of people living in poverty have a disability. This number is sure to rise with people disabled by long Covid. Disability Without Poverty’s “Where’s the bill?” campaign is all over social media, garnering support from people with and without disabilities including Canadian artist Jay Ross.

Visit www.disabilitywithoutpoverty.ca and check out #WheresTheBill.