Canada Disability Benefit Regulations Take Effect May 2025

The Canadian government is set to launch the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) on May 15, 2025, aimed at supporting over 600,000 Canadians with disabilities through a significant investment of $6.1 billion over six years. This initiative will enhance existing income support measures and reflect a commitment to inclusivity, having been developed with input from Canadians with disabilities and stakeholders. Meanwhile, organizations in Ontario and Manitoba must comply with their respective accessibility legislation, with upcoming reporting deadlines for compliance under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Accessibility for Manitobans Act. In British Columbia, individuals with disabilities are navigating complex income and asset tests to maintain eligibility for provincial benefits, highlighting the challenges faced by this community. Furthermore, a recent analysis reveals a lack of inclusion of people with disabilities in climate policies adopted under the Paris Agreement, indicating that their needs are often overlooked in critical global discussions. The systemic exclusion of disabled persons from both social and environmental policies calls for urgent attention to ensure their rights and well-being are prioritized.