Liberals set aside little for disability benefit, despite spending boast: advocate
OTTAWA — An advocacy group for people with disabilities says the federal government has set aside very little money for a new benefit, and takes issue with a Liberal minister’s claim that it is the biggest line item in the budget.
The government has budgeted $4.8 billion over five years toward the new Canada Disability Benefit, which will provide a maximum of $200 per month to low-income people with disabilities.
Last week, the government released data showing the program is expected to lift 25,000 people out of poverty — far short of the hundreds of thousands the Liberals promised to help.
“It’s very little, for very few,” said Rabia Khedr, director of Disability Without Poverty.