QUESTION PERIOD — Employment and Social Development
Canada Disability Benefit
April 30, 2024
My question is for Senator Gold.
In June of 2023, the Canada Disability Benefit Act, Bill C-22, was passed by Parliament virtually unanimously in both houses. According to the then Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, in Parliament and in public remarks, the bill would achieve generational change in raising working-age Canadians with disabilities out of poverty.
Our Prime Minister said the same. The sponsor of Bill C-22, in this chamber and in public remarks — including not long ago, with his disabled daughter, while speaking to an audience of 500 or so — celebrated this generational achievement.
My question is this: Who in our government — who in their right mind — thought that a benefit starting in July of 2025, for a maximum of $200 a month and running at that level for six years, with strict qualifications determined by the Canada Revenue Agency, would achieve generational change lifting people with disabilities out of poverty?
Thank you for your question, your advocacy on this issue and indeed for your sponsorship in this chamber.
As I’ve said, the disappointment of so many in the disability community, and beyond, with the announcement in this budget is understandable and shared within government. Like all the other progressive programs that the government has delivered and seeks to deliver, this one was built to be enhanced and expanded; that was indicated in the budget. Clearly, the delay in its start is regrettable but was deemed necessary for the budget to remain fiscally responsible.
It’s not a good answer. It’s the truth, but I know that the answer will displease many. Those are the circumstances.
I think we all agree with the last part of your remarks, Senator Gold.
Can you confirm that in the nearly one year since Bill C-22 was passed, the Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities has at least personally met with provincial ministers and got their commitment not to claw back provincial benefits?
Thank you for the question. It is my understanding that the minister is, indeed, working with provincial and territorial counterparts and calling on them to exempt Canada disability benefit payments from counting as income in relation to provincial or territorial supports.
