By Chris Brown

Update from the PM

Trudeau announces one-time, non-taxable payment for Canadians with disabilities

Jun 5, 2020 | 11:30 AM

Canadians with disabilities are getting help from the federal government.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a one-time, non-taxable payment of up to $600 for Canadians with disabilities, many of whom have seen unexpected bills as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government is also establishing a national workplace accessibility stream to help people with disabilities find and keep good jobs. The prime minister also announced the government is funding five new projects across Canada that will help people get supportive devices to overcome barriers in the workplace.

The payments will break down as follows: $600 for Canadians with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate; $300 for Canadians with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and who are eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension; $100 for Canadians with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and who are eligible for the OAS pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

Combined with the special payments of $300 for Canadians who are eligible for the OAS pension and the additional $200 for those eligible for the GIS, all seniors with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate will receive a total of $600 in special payments.

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On the May job report released today, Trudeau said that more Canadians returned to work last month but that many, many people continue to face a tough time.

“That tells us that we are moving forward, but we need to stay focused on getting people back on the job,” he said, noting the extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and that government has approved over 300,000 applications to support millions of jobs.

At his daily address outside Rideau Cottage, Trudeau said there’s still a long way to go, but progress is being seen.

“Roughly 1.2 million Canadians who were accessing the emergency response benefit no longer need this help. This is encouraging news, but we’re nowhere near done.”

He reiterated his position that a Canada-wide plan is needed on safely and effectively restarting the economy. The right approach and the right resources will determine where the country is in the fall and winter.

“Canadians have sacrificed too much over the past couple of months to lose the progress we’ve made,” Trudeau said.

He said the premiers and the federal government have discussed more personal protection equipment, childcare issues, protecting seniors and others at high risk. Pay for up to 10 sick days will be funded by the federal government.

“For seniors and people who need extra support, for kids and for workers, this plan is for you,” he said. “With this safe restart agreement, we’re proposing a standard of support to keep every Canada right across the country, safe and healthy as we get out country back on our feet.”