April 28, 2022
Last summer, the House of Commons introduced the Canada Disability Benefit Act, or Bill C-35. This historic bill provides a framework of legislation to address inequality and reduce poverty amongst people with disabilities. The Canada Disability Benefit Act has gained all-party support with endorsements from more than 70 MPs. Leaders across the organization are sharing this letter with their local federal MPs. Bill C-35 is an important step toward belonging for people who experience disabilities in Canada.
Sincerley,
Janet Noel-Annable
Chief Executive Officer, Christian Horizons
Last summer, the House of Commons introduced the Canada Disability Benefit Act, or Bill C-35. This historic bill provides a framework of legislation to address inequality and reduce poverty amongst people with disabilities. The Canada Disability Benefit Act has gained all-party support with endorsements from more than 70 MPs. We need your support to fast-track this bill. Bill C-35 is an important step toward belonging for people who experience disabilities in Canada.
As a service provider to people with disabilities in Saskatchewan and Ontario, we see firsthand how poverty impacts lives. Current funding programs, like ODSP in Ontario and SAID in Saskatchewan, are currently providing less than $1,200 a month to Canadians. During the pandemic, the government’s emergency funding (CERB and CRB) gave Canadians without disabilities $2,000 a month on the premise of that amount being “a livable income.” Canadians with disabilities should be given the same support. We know it’s possible.
For years, Christian Horizons has been trying to bridge the wide gaps in services available to people with disabilities. Throughout the pandemic, we have seen an already bad situation become worse. Many members in our community and beyond are relying on food banks and community support to feed themselves and make ends meet. The people we support are struggling in more ways than we can help them.
Christian Horizons strongly supports the Canada Disability Benefit Act. It can provide critical income support at a reasonable rate, and it is a step toward inclusion for Canadians with disabilities. There are individuals, family members, and advocates in your community whose lives can be changed by the passing of this bill. We hope you will advocate for the immediate reintroduction of the Canada Disability Benefit Act to support some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.