Prices in Canada continue to go up under Mark Carney’s government, and many of them are automatic, meaning that Parliament does not approve them (cost of postage, alcohol, passports etc.) Does this increasing reliance on ‘escalator’ taxes concern you? Let me know here!

Canada Disability Benefit update

March 12, 2025

More than two years after the legislation was passed, the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) seems to be one step closer to reality.

As Stephanie outlined in her November 2024 e-newsletter, Conservatives have had many concerns about the CDB since C-22 received unanimous consent in Feb 2023. Those included:  the amount of the Benefit; when it would be available; who would be eligible; and whether applying for this benefit would result in disabled Canadians seeing other benefits clawed back.

Last spring the Liberals revealed the maximum amount the CDB will provide eligible Canadians (those with a valid Disability Tax Credit) would be $200 monthly.  Disability advocates were very disappointed with the amount of the promised benefit, as it wouldn’t even come close to lifting Canadians with disabilities above the poverty line. (In Alberta, the combination of AISH and CDB would provide a maximum of $2063 monthly. Resolute Legal The New Canada Disability Benefit (CDB): The Ultimate Guide)

On March 3rd, the Minister for Employment and Social Development Canada finally announced that regulations for the CDB have been finalized,  which outline eligibility and criteria and benefit calculations. The regulations also state that the first payments should be issued in July 2025.

The Liberals are still working on the application process however. Details on when, where and how to apply will be available “in the coming months”.

Stephanie will continue to keep constituents updated on this issue, or interested Canadians can subscribe to the government’s automated notification system.