Canadian MPs Call for Protections Against Clawbacks on New Disability Benefit

Members of Parliament from all parties have unanimously agreed that the new Canada Disability Benefit needs protection against potential clawbacks to ensure it effectively helps lift Canadians with disabilities out of poverty. During a meeting of the House Human Resources, Skills and Social Development, and the Status of Persons with Disabilities Committee, a motion was passed outlining expectations to enhance the newly proposed federal benefit.The government has earmarked $6.1 billion over the next six years to fund the Canada Disability Benefit, which aims to provide a maximum of $2,400 annually or $200 per month. This amount, however, has been criticized by advocacy groups as insufficient to meet the needs of disabled individuals and falls short of lifting them out of poverty. The motion presented by NDP MP Bonita Zarrillo calls for comprehensive consultations with the disability community to ensure the benefit’s effective implementation. Key points include ensuring adequate funding, reevaluating eligibility criteria, addressing unseen expenses related to disabilities, and preventing reductions in benefit entitlements. MPs also emphasized the importance of collaborating with provinces and territories to bolster support systems benefit as income for other supports. and secure exemptions from counting the While the motion is not binding, represents a significant cross-party effort Disability Benefit as it progresses through it to refine the implementation of the Canada Parliament.