Last month, the Government of Canada introduced new legislation that will establish the framework for a new Canada Disability Benefit. This benefit was created to respond to the inequitable hardships experienced by people with disabilities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canada Disability Benefit is part of the country’s pandemic recovery plan. The government hopes to ensure that Canadians with disabilities are getting the support they need.

The Canada Disability Benefit supports working-age Canadians with disabilities. It supplements existing provincial and federal supports, so people are receiving more support than before.

“When the pandemic struck, Canadians with disabilities were hit hard. Many experienced job loss and financial pressures, which increased existing financial insecurity and hardship. By proposing to create the new Canada Disability Benefit, the Government of Canada is responding to the unique and vital needs of persons with disabilities. This supplementary income benefit would help people to rebound and to fully participate in all aspects of our society and economy. It would address the longstanding financial hardships experienced by persons with disabilities predating the pandemic, and would be an investment in the realization of a fully inclusive society. Canadians with disabilities continue to be at the centre of our country’s inclusive recovery.”
– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan has also been launched recently. It’s a public survey asking Canadians how the federal government can build a barrier-free country.

Read more in this news release: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-introduces-legislation-to-create-the-new-canada-disability-benefit-800772164.html