Statement by Canada’s Taxpayers’ Ombudsman on the Disability Advisory Committee’s recommendations to the Disability Tax Credit

May 26 through to June 1 is National AccessAbility Week. During this time, we recognize the barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from having an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of society.

As Canada’s Taxpayers’ Ombudsman, I often hear from Canadians with disabilities and their families about difficulties accessing and retaining the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).

I am pleased by the Minister of National Revenue’s response to the Disability Advisory Committee’s (DAC) first Annual Report, Enabling access to disability tax measures. The DAC’s report presents 42 recommendations that aim to provide ease of access, raise awareness, increase fairness, reduce poverty for Canadians with disabilities and improve the DTC application process.

My mandate as the Taxpayers’ Ombudsman is to assist, advise and inform the Minister on matters relating to service provided to taxpayers by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The Minister’s commitment to addressing the inequity in service delivery and access to the DTC is commendable.

As such, I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the Minister and the DAC to offer an independent and objective perspective on this issue, informed by the work of my Office and the feedback I have received from the public and stakeholder groups.

Through collaboration, we can reduce barriers to the financial security of Canadians with disabilities, promote accessibility and inclusion, and enhance the CRA’s service by focusing on the needs of Canadians with disabilities and their families.