The National Disability Network (NDN) has provided the federal government with six recommendations for the next budget cycle.
Plan Institute is a proud member of the NDN, a collaborative coalition of national and regional organizations to advance shared priorities on disability rights and financial security. We are sharing this joint pre-budget submission to keep our community informed about our systemic advocacy.
We are collectively advocating for the following recommendations:
1) Legislate the United Nations’ CRPD into Canadian Law: Bringing the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) into Canadian law will make these protections legally binding across all federal departments.
2) Fund and create a new approach to federal disability eligibility: Create a single, accessible application process outside of the tax system to remove barriers in accessing different federal benefits.
3) Develop, implement, and enforce a government-wide disability inclusion policy: Require a disability lens on all government decisions to decrease the risk of creating barriers in public services and programs.
4) Strengthen and increase the CDB: Raise the benefit amount to lift people out of poverty and secure agreements with provinces to prevent clawbacks.
5) Invest in accessible, inclusive and affordable housing: Put accessibility and disability inclusion at the forefront of federal funding for housing and infrastructure.
6) Stabilize and increase funding for disability employment programs: Increase stable funding for disability employment programs to address the barriers, discrimination and exclusion faced by people with disabilities.
Driving Systemic Change with the NDN
This pre-budget submission provides recommendations that move towards the Government of Canada’s commitment to a barrier-free Canada by 2040. Investing in disability inclusion is both a human rights imperative and a sound economic strategy. Plan Institute, together with the NDN, is committed to working with the federal government in advancing these priorities, and to continue advocating for lasting impact.
