The government broke its promise of lifting Canadians with disabilities out of poverty through a new National Canadian Disability Benefit when it announced only a meagre amount of $200 with narrow criteria. Based on the current criteria, CBD would only be available to a small group of disabled Canadians.
I can say confidently that zero Canadians with disability will be lifted out of poverty with the new CDB. And it is breaking my heart.
Poverty is a critical issue that affects many individuals in our society, including Canadians with disabilities. It is defined as insufficient income or financial resources to meet basic human necessities like food, shelter, clothing, and access to essential services. However, poverty is a complex and multifaceted issue that encompasses more than just a lack of money. It includes limited access to healthcare, education, and social services, which can significantly impact one's quality of life.
Unfortunately, poverty continues to affect Canadians with disabilities disproportionately. According to Statistics Canada, people with disabilities are more likely to live below the poverty line compared to those without disabilities. One in four working-age Canadians with disabilities lives in poverty.
When talking about relative poverty, I meant any real or imposed conditions where individuals or groups within a society are disadvantaged compared to others. This type of poverty is not solely about income but the inability to participate fully in social, economic, and cultural activities. For Canadians with disabilities, relative poverty means facing barriers to employment, lower income levels, and inadequate support services, which further hinder their ability to live independently and with dignity.
Chronic poverty, on the other hand, is a prolonged and persistent state of poverty. It is not just a temporary setback but a long-term condition that usually can span generations. Canadians with disabilities who are experiencing chronic poverty often face compounded challenges, including higher healthcare costs, limited access to adaptive technologies, and social isolation.
These factors are creating a vicious cycle for our community that is becoming difficult to break, leading to a continuous state of deprivation and marginalization. Barriers to Employment and an increased cost of living, inadequate disability supports and services are also having a massive impact on the well-being of Canadians with disabilities and their families. With the current amount of the CDB, this vicious cycle has no end in sight.
I hope that the new government understands the impact of poverty on Canadians with disabilities and Canada. Providing adequate basic income and developing effective policies and support systems are essential to create a more inclusive and equitable society. Advocacy groups such as DWP must continue to push for the expanded and increased CDB and for more inclusive employment practices, better accessibility, and expanded services.