A statement on Ontario's decision to exempt the Canada Disability Benefit as Income

The Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security applauds the announcement of the Government of Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services and Minister Michael Parsa to exempt the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) as income in an effort to avoid punitive effects when paired with other provincially delivered social programs.

The Centre has advocated for this type of policy alignment to ensure our social assistance programs work together to support those most in need in this country. The sad reality is that 50% of people over the age of 15 living in food-insecure households have a disability and more than 41% of people with incomes below the poverty line live with a disability.

Provincial programs can make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of Ontarians, and when complimented with the new Canada Disability Benefit, will only make a bigger impact to reducing food insecurity.

In 2024, we announced partnerships with four leading disability organizations in Canada to raise awareness of these programs and ensure they can be accessed by those who need it most.

We are hopeful that Ontario, the Government of Canada, and all other jurisdictions continue to seek meaningful ways to address the worsening crisis of food insecurity in Canada.