An important bill for many people in our community is being debated in Ottawa. It’s Bill C-22, the Canada Disability Benefit Act.
It will aim to reduce poverty among Canadians living with disabilities.
Perth-Wellington MP John Nater has been a supporter of the Bill and spoke to it in the House of Commons where he relayed stories he heard from community members at a recent meeting at The Local Community Food Centre. Nater said one person considered a haircut a luxury, another woman said she can’t afford to go out and enjoy a cup of coffee because she can’t afford it.
Nater told other legislators that when this bill is passed, he hopes it will address two major issues, to protect people living with disabilities who do have jobs from claw backs in their disability benefits. The other is to make the application process clear and easy to use so applicants don’t face further barricades to receiving their benefits.
The Local will be holding a solidarity rally to support Nater’s efforts to get this bill passed quickly. It will be at noon Wednesday, October 18th and will start at the Local and end at Nater’s constituency office in Stratford.
