More than two years of a global COVID-19 pandemic and the current state of the economy, with rising housing prices and inflation on everything from food to medication to clothes, have greatly exacerbated the cost-of-living and economic challenges already faced every day by the 6.2 million Canadians who live with disabilities.

“We acknowledge that this government has worked to lift many Canadian families out of poverty, and we applaud that work. We know that pharmacare and dental care are programs that will benefit Canadian families, including many individuals living with disabilities. However, for those living with disabilities, the lack of accessible and affordable housing, employment opportunities, and direct financial supports versus tax credits are real policy gaps that remain,” notes Dave Starrett, President and CEO of Easter Seals Canada.

In the most recent federal budget, Starrett had hoped to see progress towards the Canada Disability Benefit (CRB) legislation first mentioned by the government in 2020 and then formally introduced last June. He also wants to see the current approach to financial supports changed. According to Starrett, “Individuals living with disabilities in our country often need to spend money up front – money they may not have – on goods and services they need and then
await reimbursement or a tax credit. A guaranteed income for Canadians with disabilities – one not subject to provincial clawbacks – would help provide protection against homelessness and a pathway to increased health and independence.

Starrett commends the government focus on housing in this budget but notes that the proposed measures offer little for individuals with disabilities, the numbers of whom are bound to increase as the Canadian population both grows and ages. Says Starrett:

“The impact of COVID-19 and inflation has been felt all across the country. For the disability community, it has been felt even more keenly, given the systemic issues they already faced.”

As Easter Seals celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, its wish is for the timely implementation of the Canada Disability Benefit, a social assistance benefit that will lift millions out of poverty without provincial clawbacks or decreases.

Facts:

• One in five Canadians aged 15 or older – about 6.2 million people – live with at least one disability. (Source: Public Policy Forum, 2020ⁱ)
• People with disabilities are often trapped in low-skill, low-paying jobs at high risk of automation. (Source: Public Policy Forum, 2020ⁱⁱ)
• People living with disabilities are less likely to report completing higher levels of education compared to those living disability free. One in-four (24%) say they graduated university, compared to 32 per cent of those without disabilities.
• In 2017, only 26.1% of Canadians with developmental disabilities were employed, with half of them employed only part time. (Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2020ⁱⁱⁱ)
• Most Canadians believe the current supports and benefits available to people living with disabilities are inadequate, and nearly 89% of Canadians are in favour of a Canadian Disability Benefit (Source: Angus Reid Institute, 2021^iv)

i Morris, S., et al. (2018). “A demographic, employment and income profile of Canadians with disabilities
aged 15 years and over, 2017.” Statistics Canada, Catalogue no. 89-654-X2018002 in Tompa, Emile, Daniel
Samosh, and Normand Boucher. “Skill Gaps, Underemployment and Equity of Labour-Market Opportunities for
Persons with Disabilities in Canada.” Public Policy Forum, 2020.

ii Tompa, Emile, Daniel Samosh, and Normand Boucher. “Skill Gaps, Underemployment and Equity of Labour-Market
Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in Canada.” Public Policy Forum, 2020.

iii Berrigan, P., Scott, C.W.M. & Zwicker, J.D. “Employment, Education, and Income for Canadians with Developmental
Disability: Analysis from the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability.” J Autism Dev Disord (2020).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04603-3

iv Angus Reid Institute, June 21, 2021