Article by Disability Without Poverty
Disabled Canadians applaud Senate support for the Canada Disability Benefit
(Toronto) – 43 members of the Senate of Canada voiced their support for a Canada Disability Benefit through an open letter on January 17, 2022. This is on the heels of an e-petition promoted by Disability Without Poverty that received 17,874 signatures from across the country.
“We hope that these demonstrations of resounding confidence will ensure that fast action is taken to make the Canada Disability Benefit a reality. The momentum to do the right thing is growing. A recent Angus Reid survey proved that Canadians want fast action. Our open letter signed by 200 prominent Canadians including former Lieutenant governor david Onley and artist Christa Coutu also echoed the call to fast track the benefit and ensure that it is jointly designed with people with disabilities. And now, 43 senators are joining our voices,” states Rabia Khedr, National Director of Disability Without Poverty.
“This guaranteed livable income will be an important step in providing people with disabilities the independence, autonomy and dignity they deserve. The COVID-19 pandemic has further deepened the financial difficulty of people with disabilities who were already struggling to afford their essential needs. Immediate action is necessary to prevent even more lives being needlessly lost to poverty,” states Michelle Hewitt, Disability Without Poverty Co-Chair.
ABOUT DISABILITY WITHOUT POVERTY
Disability without Poverty (DWP) is a grassroots disability-led movement formed to ensure disabled people are involved in the design of a Canadian Disability Benefit. DWP is staffed and directed by disabled people. Members of the Disability without Poverty movement include disabled people, their families, friends, service providers, and allies.