The Disability Advisory Committee will provide the Canada Revenue Agency with a better understanding of stakeholder perspectives and priorities

December 11, 2017— BRAMPTON, ON – The Government of Canada recognizes that disabilities can have significant impacts on the daily lives of Canadians and their families. Vulnerable people in our society must be supported, including by ensuring they receive all tax credits and benefits to which they are entitled.

On November 23, 2017, MP Sonia Sidhu. Member of Parliament for Brampton South, rose in the House of Commons and asked the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, about the work being done towards ensuring entitled Canadians received the disability tax credit, and in response the Minister announced the re-instatement of the Disability Advisory Committee (DAC). The Minister is following-up on this announcement by releasing the names of the DAC’s members and the Terms of Reference that will guide the Committee’s work. This DAC will serve as an important forum for persons with disabilities to have their voices heard as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) works to improve and enhance the way it administers the tax measures designed to support this community.

In addition, the CRA will return to using the pre-May 2017 clarification letter for Disability Tax Credit (DTC) applications related to Life-Sustaining Therapy. This decision will allow the DAC to formulate recommendations on the CRA’s administrative practices, including clarification letters, through broader, more comprehensive stakeholder consultations.  As indicated previously, no change has been made to the eligibility criteria for the DTC.

The CRA will also review the applications that have been denied since May 2017, for which the CRA relied on the revised clarification letter to determine eligibility to the DTC. Individuals do not need to submit new or additional information unless they are contacted by the CRA.

Quotes

“I have heard many concerns about the disability tax credit in recent months, and have taken action to ensure the message is clear, and that we are working to ensure all Canadians who are entitled to the disability tax credit will receive it. I have personally met with Minister of National Revenue Diane Lebouthillier and her staff on multiple occasions to discuss what I have heard, and she has assured me that Canadians who are entitled to this credit, will receive this credit. I look forward to the re-instatement of the Disability Advisory Committee”

-MP Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South

“Throughout my career as a social worker and as Minister of National Revenue I have been completely committed to helping the most vulnerable in our society.  I have confidence that the expertise of the Committee members will help the CRA better serve Canadians who need and deserve our assistance. Reviewing life-sustaining therapy applicants will provide an added level of certainty that the law has been applied correctly and will allow the Committee to take a broader perspective on its important work.”

-The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue