As federal lawmakers strive to address the financial challenges facing Canadians living with disabilities, the individuals and advocacy groups impacted by these issues are voicing their concerns. Eileen Davidson, a 37-year-old single mother from Burnaby, B.C., shares the daily struggle of making ends meet on her disability benefits due to rheumatoid arthritis. Davidson expresses how she constantly falls behind on bills, especially as expenses continue to rise. She often faces the difficult choice of eating healthy or skipping meals to tighten her budget. This situation is not unique to Davidson but reflects the experiences of disabled Canadians across the country.
Two Canadian charities, “A Benefit without Barriers” and Bill C-22, have joined forces to call on the federal government to prioritize the voices of individuals with disabilities. March of Dimes Canada and Prosper Canada released a report titled “A Benefit without Barriers” in May, which emphasizes the urgent need to address the food insecurity and poverty struggles faced by disabled individuals. The Canadian Disability Benefit Act, along with Bill C-22, has been introduced in Parliament. While the bill has passed through the House of Commons, it has faced amendments in the Senate. Some key aspects, such as insurance benefit clawbacks and payment details, remain unclear. The bill is currently back with the Senate, with a deadline to approve it before the summer recess in June.
March of Dimes Canada and Prosper Canada hope that the bill will become law before the end of June. They emphasize the need for the federal government to rectify the historical wrongs that have contributed to disabled Canadians living in poverty. The report highlights the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing government support and benefits, which often erode their sense of dignity.
Elizabeth Mulholland, CEO of Prosper Canada, emphasizes that the government has a unique opportunity to implement a transformative income security system and set new standards for accessibility and service. Leonard Baker, president and CEO of March of Dimes Canada, echoes this sentiment, urging the government to listen to the community and prioritize their needs during the design and implementation of the benefit.
Statistics reveal the pressing nature of these issues. Approximately 6.2 million Canadians have disabilities, and working-age Canadians with disabilities are twice as likely to live in poverty compared to able-bodied Canadians. Additionally, 50% of individuals experiencing food insecurity in Canada are disabled. The average disability payment through the Canada Pension Plan is $1,064.80, significantly lower than the average cost of living. This discrepancy fails to consider the additional expenses faced by disabled individuals, such as medical treatments, mobility aids, and home modifications.
Kristin Bell-Murray, a disabled 41-year-old Canadian from Sudbury, Ont., highlights the difficulties of making ends meet with chronic illnesses. The current support programs often lead to clawbacks of benefits when individuals work, making it nearly impossible to get ahead financially. Bell-Murray describes feeling unsupported and emphasizes the need for more assistance.
Davidson shares that until there is increased support or the bill is enacted, she will continue to do her best to manage her circumstances. The hope is that the federal government will take this opportunity to create real change and improve the lives of disabled Canadians.
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