NDP wants to boost number who qualify for disability benefit

Bill would extend eligibility to about 750,000 Canadians

- MARK RAMZY

NDP MP Laurel Collins announces her party's plan to make it easier for Canadians to qualify for the new federal disability tax credit. If passed, the bill would automatically expand eligibility to anyone already receiving provincial assistance.

The New Democrats tabled a bill Thursday that would make drastic changes to the Trudeau government’s disability benefit just a month after it was the only opposition party to vote in support of its funding.

If passed, the bill would increase the number of people who will get the benefit by expanding eligibility for the disability tax credit to automatically include anyone already receiving provincial assistance, a key demand by many disability advocates. The tax credit is a certificate obtained through a doctor’s note that’s required to receive federal disability supports.

The change could mean the Trudeau government will need to raise its funding from the $6.1 billion over six years it earmarked for the benefit in this year’s budget.

“The Liberals need to go back to the legislation and follow the guidelines of that legislation,” said NDP MP Bonita Zarrillo. “They need to fulfil their promise to the community that they are going to do that work in collaboration with them.”