QUESTION PERIOD — Employment and Social Development
Canada Disability Benefit
June 12, 2024
Senator Gold, since 2021, you have answered 54 questions from senators about the Canada disability benefit. This is a clear priority. In my second reading speech, I cited criticisms calling the bill weak because it didn’t specify how much the benefit would be, who would be eligible and when the government would start paying it out.
At third reading, I said that in the absence of details, it came down to trust. We, the legislators, and the disabilities community were being asked to trust in the people charged with the job, trust in the process, trust there would be true co-development and trust in the government to live up to its stated commitments.
Senator Gold, why has that trust been so seriously betrayed?
Thank you for your question.
Again, the government understands very well — as I do — the disappointment with regard to the actual amounts in this first phase of this program.
I will repeat, however — in response to your question — that this is a historic program. It’s the first time there ever was the creation or the establishment of a disability benefit in Canada. Indeed, colleagues, you will know this was the largest single line item in the budget.
The amounts that were ultimately included were a function of having to take into account the competing fiscal priorities and constraints. Again, as I’ve said many times, the government has been clear in its intent that the program would be expanded, and that has, indeed, been indicated publicly and in the budget.
Senator Gold, in January 2022, 43 senators wrote to the government asking for the disabilities benefit legislation. In June 2023, we passed that legislation. In November 2023, I wrote to Minister Khera, encouraging swift implementation. Minister Khera responded, writing:
I can assure you that our Government is taking strong action to address the financial hardships that persons with disabilities are facing today.
Senator Gold, when can we expect to see that “strong action” to improve the shockingly weak Canada disability benefit?
Thank you for your question. I’m not in a position to speculate — I cannot speculate on any future funding. I’ll certainly raise it with the minister, as I know you and others have as well.
