For Immediate Release

April 12, 2022

Disabled Canadians are optimistic with news that 73 MPs support the Canada Disability Benefit

(Toronto) – 73 members of Parliament called for the immediate re-introduction of the Canada Disability Benefit Act through an open letter on April 12, 2022. This multi-party cooperation is a promising sign that government is ready to work to ensure the building of a truly inclusive Canada.

The Canada Disability Benefit will be an important step to reduce poverty for people with disabilities in Canada. It is critical that that the Canada Disability Benefit Act is adopted without delay to support people with disabilities and move them out of poverty.

“We are committed to a Canada where no disabled person lives in poverty. Canadians want immediate action to fast track the Canada Disability Benefit and ensure that it is jointly designed with people with disabilities. With 43 Senators and 73 MPs joining our voices, our call to end disability poverty is becoming closer to reality” states Rabia Khedr, National Director of Disability Without Poverty.

“It is heartening to see so much support across party lines for the Canada Disability Benefit, and I hope that this support is turned in action by the government. The Canada Disability Benefit will be an important step in providing people with disabilities the independence, autonomy and dignity they deserve. The COVID-19 pandemic has further deepened the financial difficulty of people with disabilities who were already struggling to afford their essential needs.” states Michelle Hewitt, Disability Without Poverty Co-Chair.