News Releases

Press Release

For Immediate Release March 23, 2004

FEDERAL BUDGET: WELCOME NEWS FOR CANADIANS WITH DISABILITIES: THE FIRST INVESTMENT IN A DECADE

Today’s Federal Budget made a down payment on what the Council of Canadians with Disabilities hopes will be a first step toward developing a long term action plan. This Budget did four things for Canadians with disabilities:
• it provided a modest investment ($30 million) to address the employment supports and training needs of people with disabilities.
• it made Canada Special Opportunities Grants for students with disabilities non taxable thus ensuring the principle that support for disability accommodation is not treated as income.
• it created a new Disability Expenses Deduction for employment and education disability related expenses thus reducing taxable income for people with disabilities.
• expanded the tax credit for those who are providing care for individuals with disabilities.

“While these are modest improvements, they are improvements. These actions coupled with the Throne Speech commitment give our community reason to hope,” said Marie White Chairperson of CCD. “This is the first real investment in disability supports for almost a decade,” said White. “We now seek the development of a 10 year plan to address the substantive disadvantage faced by Canadians with disabilities. The Action Plan must be developed jointly by governments and community and particular emphasis must be paid to Aboriginals with disabilities, youth and those who still reside in institutions,” said White.

“The Prime Minister has signaled his interest and support in addressing disability issues. Minister of Social Development Liza Frulla in a recent meeting indicated her strong support for the collaborative development of an action plan that takes into account the roles of federal and provincial governments and the views of people with disabilities,” said Laurie Beachell, National Coordinator of CCD.

Prime Minister Martin stated in the Throne Speech, “We want a Canada in which citizens with disabilities have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from Canada’s prosperity – as learners, workers, volunteers, and family members.” “We are trusting the Government of Canada to live up to what it said it will do,” said Beachell.

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For More Information Contact:

Marie White, National Chairperson Laurie Beachell, National Coordinator
Ph. 709-739-8233 Ph. 204-947-0303