Article content
tom jackman
advertising 2
Article content
Bill C-22, the proposed Federal Canada Disability Benefits (CDB), passed its second reading before the New Year with much excitement.
Article content
But it was clear that it was too early to celebrate. Canadians with disabilities are desperate for this bill to pass its third reading and swiftly pass the Senate into law in 2023.
Too many Canadians with disabilities are struggling financially and this can’t last any longer.
According to the Disability Equality Statement on the Liberal Government’s own website, “Disability equality benefits everyone. It is a great opportunity for Canadians with disabilities to contribute to their communities and to receive more money from the federal government.” When we receive the same quality of service, when we have an equal chance to work and enjoy the same quality of life as everyone else, we build a stronger economy – and stronger. to the country.”
advertising 3
Article content
Unfortunately, Canada is currently far from equal for people with disabilities.
22% of Canadians live with a disability, making up 41% of the poor.
There is often a gap between federal and state oversight of health, economic and social services, and people with disabilities do not have equal opportunities to contribute to their communities. For example, state benefits are often canceled when additional help is provided by the federal government.
Disabled people are also trapped in a cycle of poverty by policies that restrict jobs and threaten their benefits.
This is catch 22. Earning too much or working too many hours can make you ineligible for benefits. Many people with disabilities don’t feel comfortable receiving the meager $75 reward.
Advertising 4
Article content
This lack of equity has serious implications for social participation and community building. It also influences housing and relationship choices.
People with disabilities are also not treated equally across the country. State and Territory disability benefits vary widely as they relate to her one individual with a disability.
For example, in 2021 the BC government increased disability assistance by $175, so one individual now receives $1,338.42 per month. This is well below the poverty line. This increase will do little to help people with disabilities in British Columbia cope with rising costs of living, including high housing costs and inflation.
Similarly, Ontario recently increased its Disability Assistance Program (ODSP) by 5%. The increase is his first increase in ODSP since 2018, which is now about $14,700 a year per individual, well below the poverty line.
Advertising 5
Article content
Some states, such as my hometown of Newfoundland and Labrador, do not provide any assistance for financial disability. Rather, it provides basic state financial assistance without a separate disability income assistance program like ODSP.
Newfoundland and Labrador have not increased financial assistance to individuals since 2014, even though the ODSP has risen slightly, while the cost of living remains tight for Ontario people.
However, people with disabilities often hide and increase their basic living expenses.
Perform daily tasks such as grocery shopping. Disabled guests may require special transportation or an expensive taxi. People with sensory processing problems like autism may need sensory-friendly shopping time. Wheelchair users may not be able to reach the items they need. All of these require some form of assistance, and that comes at a cost.
Advertising 6
Article content
Most people with disabilities who live independently and have a regular income have good budgeting skills to survive. However, with Canada’s current inflation rate hovering around 8%, people with disabilities are struggling to pay for necessities such as housing, heating and utilities.
This is why Canadian disability benefits are so important.
There are still major considerations, such as how the federal and state governments will coordinate the CDB to ensure that state services and benefits are not taken away. Federal funding must serve as a supplement, not a replacement.
The implementation of widespread guaranteed federal income, at least above the national poverty line, without reimbursement of provincial benefits such as prescription drug, health or dental benefits, will lift Canadians with disabilities out of poverty and help them do what they can. Helps you live with dignity.
we are almost there. Please deliver to the Senate immediately so they can begin their work.
Tom Jackman is an adult on the autism spectrum living in St. John’s, Nfld. He is a member of the leadership team for He Disability Without Poverty, a grassroots group of citizens concerned with disability.
