“note that the application process for the Canada Disability Benefit is not yet open.”

“That’s why we are launching the Canada Disability Benefit—a key pillar in our plan that will provide direct support to those who need it most. […] Budget 2024 proposes funding of $6.1 billion over six years, beginning in 2024-25, and $1.4 billion per year ongoing, for a new Canada Disability Benefit, including costs to deliver the benefit. […] To ensure access to the Canada Disability Benefit for eligible Canadians, and to address an anticipated significant financial barrier associated with benefit take-up, Budget 2024 further proposes funding of $243 million over six years, beginning in 2024-25, and $41 million per year ongoing, to cover the cost of the medical forms required to apply for the Disability Tax Credit.”

“We have made progress, but there is much more to do. //In the year to come, we intend to continue working with the disability community to implement the Action Plan, ensuring it meets the needs of persons with disabilities. I look forward to this continued collaboration. // Accomplishments in this update are organized by the 4 pillars of the Action Plan: financial security, employment, accessible and inclusive communities, and a modern approach to disability. //passed the Canada Disability Benefit Act in June 2023 […] // improved education outcomes of persons with disabilities through the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program // funded 100 projects under the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities […] // progress made in hiring 5,000 new persons with disabilities across the federal public service // published new standards under the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) […] // in process of creating the new Equitable Access to Reading Program, expected to launch in 2024 // held a Congress on Disability Inclusion where 3,000 Canadians from the disability community, federally regulated entities and other sectors were brought together. They exchanged ideas to help shape accessible and inclusively designed communities and workplaces […] // provided funding to support disability organizations and National Indigenous Organizations to engage their communities on the design, implementation and monitoring of the Action Plan”

“In October 2022, the government launched the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to disability inclusion. Community engagement is a key aspect—the government needs to get views from Canadians with disabilities in matters that affect them. To further enhance disability inclusion in Canada: // Budget 2023 proposes to provide $10 million over two years, beginning in 2023-24, to Employment and Social Development Canada to help address the unique needs and ongoing barriers faced by persons with disabilities by investing in capacity building and the community-level work of Canada’s disability organizations. // Budget 2023 proposes to provide $21.5 million in 2023-24 to Employment and Social Development Canada to continue work on the future delivery of the Canada Disability Benefit, including engagement with the disability community and provinces and territories on the regulatory process.”

“That is why today, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, released Canada’s first-ever Disability Inclusion Action Plan. The Action Plan consists of current and future actions, including programs, policies and investments that aim to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in Canada. It is a blueprint for change that will challenge the Government of Canada to be more inclusive of persons with disabilities, and to create a more inclusive country for everyone.”

“Budget 2022 proposes to provide $272.6 million over five years to Employment and Social Development Canada to support the implementation of an employment strategy for persons with disabilities through the Opportunities Fund. This will help to address labour market shortages through increased participation by persons with disabilities and make workplaces more inclusive and accessible. Of this funding, $20 million will be allocated to the Ready, Willing and Able program to help persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder or intellectual disabilities find employment.”