Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to table a petition today on behalf of the Mission Self Advocacy Group. Its members state that Canadians with disabilities face disproportionately high rates of poverty, and existing federal income supports, including the Canada disability benefit at $200 per month, are insufficient to meet basic living costs. Individuals with permanent and lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy are required to repeatedly reapply for benefits, creating unnecessary administrative burdens, delays and stress with little or no public benefit. Reducing unnecessary administrative barriers would improve accessibility, efficiency and fairness, while ensuring federal programs serve their intended purpose.
Therefore, the signatories of this petition call upon the Government of Canada to increase the Canada disability benefit to $500 per month, to implement a one-time application process for individuals with permanent disabilities and to significantly reduce administrative and paperwork requirements associated with the Canada disability benefit so that essential supports are accessible, dignified and effective for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.