By Canadian Press

Group says disability benefit at risk unless Ottawa moves quickly on regulations

Jan 17, 2025 | 12:41 PM

OTTAWA — An organization advocating for people with disabilities says the new federal disability benefit could be delayed beyond the promised July 1 payment date because the government still hasn’t approved the regulations.

March of Dimes Canada is launching a campaign today urging Persons with Disabilities Minister Kamal Khera to act quickly to draft those regulations, adding the federal government could tarnish its legacy if it fails to act.

And with Parliament prorogued, March of Dimes spokesperson Amanda MacKenzie says a promise of $243 million to help low-income people with disabilities apply for the benefit is also at risk, since the opposition parties are vowing to take down the government at the first opportunity.

MacKenzie says people with disabilities are counting on the benefit starting on July 1, and that delaying it would be a “tremendous” disservice to them and constitute a broken promise by the federal government.

The benefit will see eligible people receive up to $200 per month, a sum MacKenzie says is lower than many wanted but still enough to help those struggling to keep a roof over their head and food in the fridge.

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Khera’s office says the work of the government continues even as Parliament is prorogued, and that they aim to meet the July 1 payment date.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 17, 2025.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press

<!– Photo: 176c2f4e3f19fe8f2bf8eb69232840042239afebcbb40d94f81a8e61e575927f.jpg, Caption:

Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, rises during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

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