QUESTION PERIOD — Finance
Income Tax Credits
March 9, 2026
Senator Moreau, we are close to tax season, so allow me to get technical. We have been approached by many Canadians with inquiries that merit discussion.
Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease. Approximately 1% of Canadians live with this condition. The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life, yet gluten-free foods often cost 150% to 500% more than their gluten-containing counterparts. While Canadians with celiac disease may claim incremental food costs through the Medical Expense Tax Credit, the system is burdensome and difficult to access.
Given the government’s commitment to bringing down costs for Canadians, will it consider replacing this complex system in the forthcoming spring economic statement with a simple, refundable annual tax credit for those living with celiac disease?
There’s a petition with 34,000 signatories in the other place.
I cannot comment on any change in the taxation system. As you know, Senator Loffreda, the government understands that affordability is an important issue for Canadians, and, thus, it has introduced many measures to tackle the affordability crisis, such as Bill C-19 regarding the price of groceries.
The government is also interested in facilitating access to the financial supports that Canadians are entitled to, an example of which would be the implementation of the Automated Federal Benefits system.
For my part, I can ensure that the issue you are raising today reaches the ministers so they can see what they should do to help Canadians with celiac disease.
Thank you for that. There is a petition with 34,000 signatures, so it is of concern.
Gluten-free food is not a lifestyle choice for people with celiac disease; it’s a medical necessity and the only treatment available. It can cost significantly more than regular products.
Does the government recognize that this creates an unavoidable and lifelong financial burden? Will it consider targeted tax relief for some programs in the near future, as you mentioned in the first part of your answer?
Concerning the petition, there are a number of very important signatures on the petition that was tabled, and the government is giving proper attention to the issue. The government recognizes the financial burden celiac disease puts on many Canadians, and that is why persons with celiac disease are able to claim the incremental cost associated with buying gluten-free food products as a medical expense when they file their taxes. However, the government knows that not all Canadians who are eligible for benefits receive them —
Thank you, Senator Moreau.
