Mr. Speaker, one disabled child in three lives in a family whose income is below the poverty line. Moreover, the taxation measures currently in place do not benefit families whose incomes are so low that they pay no income tax.
This government acknowledges that low-income families caring for a severely disabled child face particular financial difficulties because of the special support and special care required by that child.
On this International Day of Disabled Persons, I wish to remind hon. members of the government's expressed intention in the Speech from the Throne to initiate targeted measures for such families.
We all need to continue to work in close collaboration with our partners, that is the provinces and territories and the disabled community, to ensure that these families in need receive better support.
Recognizing the disabled person's need for dignity and independence, we are building a society and a country in which there is a place for all Canadians.