QUESTION PERIOD — Finance
Disability Tax Credit
May 6, 2026
Senator Moreau, May is MS Awareness Month, so I’m also going to question you on MS. As was mentioned, people living with MS face significant and, often, unpredictable challenges, yet many are excluded from the Disability Tax Credit because the current criteria often fail to reflect the episodic and degenerative nature of the disease.
MS Canada has also noted many applicants struggle to navigate a system viewed as overly restrictive and difficult to access. Beyond financial supports, Canadians living with MS are also looking for hope through continued medical research, innovation and improved treatments.
Could the government outline what steps it is taking to modernize the Disability Tax Credit and to strengthen Canada’s support for research and innovation?
I will complete my answer to you, in part, by responding to the question of Senator Coyle: The economic update also proposed to provide $42.5 million over five years, starting in 2026-27, to the Canada Revenue Agency to administer the changes proposed in the update.
To your question, Senator Loffreda, as I mentioned, these changes — the streamlined application process and the fact that we recognize provincial and territorial public guardians and trustees as being qualified to certify the disability — are expected to provide $345 million over the next six years and $86 million per year, on an ongoing basis.
While I cannot provide future funding projections for the government, I can tell you that the government is proudly supporting the research, as I mentioned to Senator Coyle. We know there is still much more to do, but the government is committed to helping those who —
Thank you for that response. Hope is crucial for those who have MS. Nordic countries have higher disability percentages than elsewhere.
Given that the Disability Tax Credit now serves as a gateway to several federal benefits, delays and barriers can create significant financial hardship for Canadians living with MS. Will the government commit to working with stakeholders, such as MS Canada, for better treatments and ultimately a cure, and will it provide a timeline?
As you probably know, the government is always open to discussion with stakeholders to ensure the policies of the Canadian government reflect the needs of Canadians.
It is my understanding that long-lasting medical conditions have already been identified through the Canada Revenue Agency’s experience in processing applications as satisfying the disability impact criteria for the credit, but I cannot provide further details on timelines.
