Dec 3, 2024 – Canada’s Failing Grade in Tackling Disability Poverty: A Call to Action
Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Bramptonist brings you an urgent look into the stark realities faced by over 1.5 million Canadians with disabilities who are mired in poverty. The 2024 Disability Poverty Report Card, a collaborative effort by Disability Without Poverty and Campaign 2000, has delivered a sobering assessment: Canada earns an F in addressing this critical issue.
The Harsh Reality
Poverty Rates: In 2022, a staggering 1 in 6 individuals with disabilities lived below the poverty line, which translates to about 1,521,000 Canadians. This rate is alarmingly high, especially when compared to those without disabilities, where the poverty rate is significantly lower.
Disparity Over Time: From 2013 to 2022, the poverty rate among people with disabilities was on average twice as high as for those without disabilities. The lowest poverty rate, seen in 2020 at 14.7%, was due to emergency benefits during the pandemic, yet even then, over 1.3 million remained impoverished.
Depth of Poverty: The depth of poverty for people with disabilities is profound, with an average gap ratio indicating that they would need an additional 30% of income to merely reach the poverty line, set at $28,863 for a single person under the Low Income Measure After Tax (LIM-AT).
The Canada Disability Benefit: A Missed Opportunity?
The report card critically evaluates the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), which, despite receiving Royal Assent in 2023, falls short of expectations:
Inadequate Funding: The proposed maximum benefit of $2,400 per year does not come close to lifting individuals out of poverty when combined with existing provincial and territorial disability assistance.
Narrow Eligibility: The criteria for eligibility are too restrictive, potentially excluding many who desperately need the support.
Delayed Implementation: With a rollout planned for July 2025, the timeline is criticized as being too distant for those in immediate need.
Call for Action
The report insists on several key changes to enhance the impact of the CDB:
Increase the Benefit Amount: Ensure the benefit significantly reduces the depth of poverty, not just skims the surface.
Broaden Eligibility: Amend the criteria to include more people with disabilities, particularly those excluded by current Disability Tax Credit requirements.
Protect from Clawbacks: Design the benefit to coexist with other forms of support without triggering reductions in those benefits.
Accelerate Rollout: Push for earlier implementation to provide relief without further delay.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about lives. Living in poverty affects health, access to services, and overall quality of life. For those with disabilities, these effects are magnified. Here in Brampton, where community and support networks are vital, we must amplify this call:
Community Engagement: Local advocacy groups, policymakers, and residents must work together to pressure for changes at both federal and provincial levels.
Awareness Campaigns: Educate the public about the realities of disability poverty to foster empathy and action.
Support Local Initiatives: Encourage and support local programs that offer additional aid to those in need.
As we continue to highlight this issue, let’s remember that behind every statistic is a story of struggle and resilience. Canada has the resources and the moral obligation to do better. The Disability Poverty Report Card isn’t just a critique; it’s a blueprint for change. Let’s rally together to ensure that the Canada Disability Benefit becomes the transformative tool it was intended to be, lifting millions out of poverty and into a life of dignity and participation. Stay tuned to Bramptonist.com for more on local initiatives supporting our community’s most vulnerable and how you can contribute to this vital cause.
