Disability Advocates Call for Improved Federal Benefits | Benefits and Pension Monitor Industry News
Some say the changes have been less than promised.
According to a CBC News article, disability advocates gathered in downtown Toronto to fight for and demand improvements to the Canada Disability Benefit.
The new federal disability benefit would provide up to $200 per person per month, but advocates say that’s not enough to provide real support to Ontario’s and the 8 million people with disabilities across Canada.
“Obviously we want to be proud of what our community has achieved, but I think at this point there’s a widespread desire to see us go further than we have,” said Brad Evoy, executive director of the Ontario Disability Justice Network.
“We need to build a fundamentally different society, and I think challenging this benefit is a small stepping stone towards that,” he added.
Ron Anisich, a member of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Action Coalition, said the benefits are less than originally promised and the budget of $6.1 million over six years pales in comparison to other investments the government has made.
“That’s where they’re actually spending their money, not disabled Canadians living in poverty. That’s where tax money should be spent,” he said.
He added that the benefit is also hard to access: To qualify, you need to receive the Disability Tax Credit, which many Canadians with disabilities don’t get because they don’t have access to medical professionals who are enthusiastic about the program.
Responding to the rally, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services told CBC Toronto they’re waiting for more details on the benefits from the federal government.
“Ontario is committed to working with the federal government to ensure Ontario residents receive the support they need,” a ministry spokesperson said.
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