Toronto, ON, June 5, 2020 – JDRF welcomes today’s announcement from the Government of Canada to better support Canadians with disabilities during COVID-19, including those living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). While more details around the program are yet to be released, we do know that a one-time, tax-free payment will be made to all Canadians who currently qualify for the disability tax credit (DTC).
As we all know too well, diabetes is an expensive disease which can cost Canadians thousands of dollars annually for insulin, diabetes monitoring and supplies. Those who have lost jobs or income will feel the economic burden of this even more as they struggle to afford the high costs of managing their disease. This payment will provide some relief to those who need it most.
JDRF and other diabetes organizations were successful in convincing the government to restore the DTC for adults with T1D when administrative changes at the Canada Revenue Agency resulted in thousands of adults suddenly being declined. The announcement today is another step in the right direction by recognizing that more needs to be done for Canada’s vulnerable populations and putting the necessary supports in place for them – because no one should ever have to worry about how they will afford to manage their disease.
We look forward to our continued work with the government in addressing other recommendations put forward by the Disability Advisory Committee.
