December 18, 2024
Toronto, ON – On Monday, the federal government released its 2024 Fall Economic Statement (FES). While it includes some positive measures that will benefit the disability community, it does not address the cost-of-living crisis that continues to disproportionately impact people with disabilities across the country.
As a leader and service provider in Canada’s disability community, March of Dimes Canada (MODC) is keenly aware that much remains to be done to eliminate disability poverty. In choosing to invest billions into short-term measures like the GST holiday, the federal government has passed up a critical opportunity to deliver financial security for people with disabilities in the long-term by substantially increasing the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB).
We call on the federal government to remember its commitment to lift people with disabilities out of poverty through the CDB and commit further funding to the benefit ahead of the planned implementation date of July 1, 2025.
There are some positive measures included in Monday’s FES.
March of Dimes Canada has advocated for and welcomes the federal government’s intention to amend the Income Tax Act to exempt the CDB from income tax. This represents a step forward in reducing an administrative barrier to accessing the CDB.
Throughout the legislative process and again in thousands of submissions to regulatory consultations, people with disabilities, caregivers, friends, and allies, and disability organizations have advocated against federal, provincial, or territorial CDB claw backs. This measure reflects the community’s feedback and sets a helpful precedent for continued provincial and territorial negotiations. At this time,
only six provinces and territories have publicly declared that they will not claw back the CDB when calculating disability income supports.
We expect that all parties will see the wisdom in this measure and support it to ensure people with disabilities across Canada realize the full benefit of the CDB.
Additionally:
- Advancing the commitment to automatic tax filing made in Budget 2024-25: This measure is essential for people with disabilities who currently do not tax file, missing out on cash benefits and credits. MODC supports this measure to ensure more people with disabilities take up the benefits they are entitled to.
- Refundable tax credit for Personal Support Workers (PSWs): PSWs are deeply valued members of our staff and deliver essential care for people with disabilities and seniors across Canada. MODC supports this measure and is looking forward to further details.
- No-fee bank accounts for Indigenous people, people with disabilities, and people receiving social assistance: A bank account is a requirement for everyone in today’s financial system and increasingly, direct deposit is the easiest way for people to receive funds, such as disability income supports and benefits like the CDB. When every dollar counts, bank fees shouldn’t be part of the equation. MODC supports this initiative.
We urge the federal government to take necessary steps to support people with disabilities in Canada by investing in the CDB, removing systemic barriers to accessing federal benefits and programs, and ensuring that the provinces and territories do not claw back the CDB. We must remain focused on the work ahead to build a truly inclusive society where everyone can participate fully in our communities.
