February 3, 2025
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister of Canada
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2
Subject: Urgent Action Required to Finalize Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) Regulations
Dear Prime Minister Trudeau,
On behalf of the 20,500 members of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW), I am writing to urge the immediate finalization of the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) regulations. This benefit represents a crucial opportunity to reduce poverty and its harmful effects on health, and to create lasting, positive change for Canadians living with disabilities.
Social workers witness firsthand how poverty—one of the most significant social determinants of health—adversely impacts individuals, families, and communities. For the 1.6 million Canadians with disabilities living in poverty, the lack of adequate financial support exacerbates chronic health conditions, limits access to necessary care and increases the risk of preventable health crises. These disparities not only harm individuals, but also place unnecessary strain on our healthcare system, leading to higher costs and diverting resources that could be used to improve overall care.
CASW fully supports the CDB, as it represents a critical step toward breaking the cycle of poverty for those most in need. By providing targeted financial support, the CDB will help reduce reliance on emergency services, improve access to preventative care, and ensure that Canadians with disabilities can meet their basic needs. This is an essential measure that will have long-term benefits for individuals and the healthcare system alike.
Delays in finalizing the regulations will only prolong the distress of individuals with disabilities and hinder the efficiency of our healthcare system. It is imperative that the regulations be finalized in time for payments to begin on July 1, 2025, to ensure that those most in need receive timely support.
Your government has been a champion of equity and inclusion, and finalizing the CDB regulations would further solidify your legacy as a leader in advancing a compassionate and equitable Canada. By taking swift action, you can ensure that those who are most vulnerable are supported and help alleviate unnecessary pressures on our healthcare system.
CASW urges your government to prioritize the swift finalization of the CDB regulations, and to ensure that this vital benefit reaches those who need it most without delay.
Thank you for your continued leadership in advancing health equity and inclusion.
Sincerely,
Barb Whitenect, BA, MSW, RSW
President
Canadian Association of Social Workers