Pressure from the NDP to see the Liberals fulfill “without delay” their promise to introduce a new federal disability benefit received unanimous support in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
In a post-question proposal, NDP lawmaker and disability critic Bonita Zarilo received approval from all lawmakers to call on the federal government to fulfill its promise to introduce the Canadian Disability Benefit immediately.
Citing the disproportionate negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the disabled community in Canada and the pressures of rising living costs, Zarilo wondered how the government could allow the situation to continue.
“People with disabilities make up 41 percent of Canadians living in poverty … Defenders across the country are calling for action. When will the government finally give priority to people with disabilities and introduce Canadian disability benefits? ”She asked Carla Qualtrow, Minister for Employment, Labor Development and Disability, during the period.
The compensation was first proposed by the Liberals through legislation in the last parliament, which died in the House of Representatives when the 2021 elections were called, after being submitted at the end of the session.
In the liberal election platform, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised that his party would reintroduce the Disability Benefits Act to create a “direct monthly payment” for low-income Canadians with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64.
The first version of the bill does not specify how much money people will receive, but gave the responsible minister the power to create the framework, including around indexation to inflation and potential retroactivity.
“Once introduced, this new benefit will reduce poverty among people with disabilities in the same way as the Guaranteed Income Allowance and Child Benefits in Canada,” the platform said.
Eight months later, the legislation has not yet been resumed. In response to Zarilo’s questioning on Tuesday, Qualtrow said the government was “committed” to reintroducing the legislation, but did not propose a timetable. This is a commitment that is in the mandate letter of the Minister.
In a statement to CTV News, Qualtrough said the federal budget for 2021 included $ 11.9 million to be spent over three years reforming “eligibility processes for federal programs and disability benefits.”
“This important work is underway and will inform the Canadian Disability Benefit directly. We are also working with the provinces and territories to ensure that the Canadian Disability Benefit increases the monthly income of Canadians with disabilities living below the poverty line and will not adversely affect the right to other programs and services, “he said. Qualtrow.
Although the proposal is largely symbolic, the NDP says it will continue to impress the government that all lawmakers agree that the compensation should be introduced as soon as possible.
“Direct income supports work, and it must be implemented immediately to give Canadians living with disabilities the financial support and dignity they deserve,” Zarilo said in a statement.
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