QUESTION PERIOD — Finance
Canada Disability Benefit
February 27, 2024
Senator Gold, the Canada disability benefit was promised in the 2020 Speech from the Throne, and Bill C-22 received Royal Assent last June. I spoke in debate at both second and third reading.
Canadian disability advocacy organizations, such as Disability Without Poverty, have been calling on the federal government to allocate significant funding toward this benefit in the upcoming budget.
Senator Gold, should we expect significant funding to be announced for the Canada disability benefit in the upcoming federal budget?
Thank you for your question, senator, and for your continued advocacy on this important issue.
Unfortunately, I really do not have an answer for you, as I cannot speculate as to what may or may not be in the budget. We look forward to it being made public, and, when it is, I would be happy to answer any follow-up questions.
I know you can’t answer this, but I’m going to ask it anyway.
Senator Gold, given the long anticipation, the long period of consultation and the dire need for this benefit, will this benefit be accessible to Canadians — who so desperately need it in order to live their lives with dignity — by this summer, by Thanksgiving or this year for sure?
Thank you. Again, you’re quite right: I don’t have an updated timeline for you. However, I do want to assure you that strengthening the financial security of Canadians living with disabilities and removing the barriers to entry remain priorities for the government. They are key pillars of Canada’s first-ever Disability Inclusion Action Plan and the Accessible Canada Act. The government is focused on getting this right.
