QUESTION PERIOD — Employment and Social Development
Canada Disability Benefit
May 23, 2024
Senator Gold, the Center for Justice and Social Compassion estimates that 45% of people experiencing homelessness are disabled or diagnosed with a mental illness. A recent report by the Parliamentary Budget Officer found that despite the government’s commitment to end chronic homelessness by 2030, evidence suggests homelessness has increased and this target will not be met.
The Canada disability benefit was touted as a major step towards addressing chronic poverty and homelessness experienced by Canadians with disabilities. However, despite pre-budget optimism, the $200 per month benefit announced was met with universal shock. People feel betrayed.
During Tuesday’s Question Period, you told Senator Forest that the government understands that people are disappointed but this is just the beginning of a historic process and the government will do better. Senator Gold, if this is just the beginning, what are the government’s next steps in getting the Canada disability benefit right?
Thank you for your question and, again, thank you for your continued advocacy on this issue.
It is correct to say that, like the other progressive measures that this government has delivered and put into place, it now needs to be adapted, enhanced and expanded. This was indicated, as you know, colleagues, in the budget.
As to your question with regard to next steps, the government is now proceeding with the extensive and intense work behind the scenes that’s needed to deliver the benefit, including the next step in developing regulations, building the internal infrastructure and support systems necessary to deliver the program and allowing the provinces and territories to adjust their policies, regulations and legislation to ensure that there are no unintended clawbacks.
Thank you, Senator Gold. Will the government renew its commitment to operate according to the principle of “nothing about us without us” and sit down with Canadians from the disabilities community to address this serious problem and see a more realistic and substantial investment in the Canada disability benefit in the Fall Economic Statement at the very latest?
Colleagues, as you know, I really cannot speculate on what may or may not be in the next Fall Economic Statement. However, I can share with you that my understanding is that in the spirit of “nothing without us,” the minister will continue to listen to and engage with the disability communities in the next phase of delivering this historic benefit as the government works, as I said earlier, on the regulatory process.
