Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'm going to take my two and a half minutes to table a motion that I circulated earlier to the committee. I know many of us were disappointed in the presence of the minister of diversity and inclusion here last week. We certainly didn't get the time we needed to question her.
I have a motion for the committee. I'll read it. It relates to the Canada disability benefit, the barrier of the disability tax credit as an entry point and also the potential for clawbacks, which we all don't want to see.
Mr. Chair, I move the following:
That, in the opinion of the committee, the government should safeguard the Canada disability benefit from any potential clawbacks and engage in comprehensive consultations with the disability community to ensure the effective implementation of the Canada disability benefit by:
(i) ensuring that the Canada disability benefit is adequate to lift people living with disabilities out of poverty;
(ii) ensuring that the Canada disability benefit is accessible through the reconsideration of the disability tax credit as a barrier to access, and establishing a more equitable and accessible enrolment method;
(iii) acknowledging the multitude of unseen expenses associated with living with a disability, which exacerbates financial strain, particularly amidst escalating costs of living and the inflation crisis;
(iv) recognizing the adverse impact of benefit entitlement reductions as families earn higher taxable incomes, perpetuating cycles of poverty among lower-income households;
(v) collaborating with provinces and territories to fortify support systems for individuals with disabilities, thereby fostering inclusive and supportive communities across the country;
and that the committee report this to the House.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'm hoping we can go immediately to a vote because we have another vote coming up.