The federal government strives to create new venues and programs that help Canadians help themselves.

With this in mind, we are well aware of the unique challenges that people with disabilities face in their day-to-day lives. While many of these hurdles go unnoticed and are taken for granted by able-bodied Canadians, our government is increasing its support to persons with disabilities and their families.

One of our key initiatives to increase opportunities for persons with disabilities is the Enabling Accessibility Fund. This is a $45 million commitment over three years to support community-based projects across Canada to improve accessibility and reduce barriers. Included in the long list of potential enhancements are building ramps, installing automatic door openers, building accessible washrooms, and installing wheelchair lifts in community-based vehicles.

We know that many disabled Canadians are anxious to live productive and fruitful lives, and this government is going that extra distance to help make it happen. The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is another federal government program that can work in favour of the person with disabilities. The RDSP is a long-term savings plan to help Canadians with disabilities and their families save for the future. There is no annual contribution limit and the lifetime limit is $200,000, which is payable to the beneficiary named in the plan.

To help Canadians with disabilities save, the government may provide a matching grant up to $3,500, contingent upon the amount contributed and family income. The government will also pay a bond up to $1,000 a year into the RDSPs of low- and modest-income plan holders. These grants and bonds are paid until the beneficiary turns 49, and the earnings accumulate tax-free until money is taken out of the fund. This fund has no impact on other federal benefits, such as the Canada Child Tax Benefit, the Goods and Services Tax Credit, Old Age Security, and Employment Insurance.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan and other recent federal initiatives are also addressing the needs of people with disabilities. We are investing $1 billion in renovations and energy retrofits for social housing, which includes support for people with disabilities. We are also allocating $75 million to build new social-housing units for people with disabilities. Tax relief measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan also recognize the additional costs resulting from a disability or a medical condition. This government is opening the doors that help Canadians with disabilities to lead more prosperous and fruitful lives.

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