Transforming Lives: The Caledon Basic Income Plan for Canadians with Disabilities

Advocating for a Brighter Future: The Caledon Basic Income Plan’s Journey to Transform Lives

By Stephen Pate –

(Nov 29, 2010, updated Nov 17, 2023) In the heart of New Brunswick, a single adult struggles to make ends meet. He is surviving on a meager $8,000 a year—less than half of the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO).

This is not an isolated case. Across Canada, working-age Canadians with severe disabilities are grappling with abject poverty.

Billions are allocated at the Federal and Provincial levels to address this issue. It is not working.

Enter the Caledon Institute with a game-changing proposal—the Caledon Basic Income Plan.

This visionary plan aims to overhaul Canada’s fragmented and failing system of social support for this vulnerable group,

The Caledon Plan offers a lifeline to those who have long been caught in the cycle of poverty through no fault of their own.

A Glimpse into Reality

In many provinces, over half of those on welfare rolls are individuals with disabilities.

In PEI, the disability poverty caseload stands at a staggering 58.3%.

Across Canada, the rate of poverty among the disabled remains above 50% in Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, BC, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

The current disability social assistance programs, unlike the efficient Child Benefit Program, are expensive to administer. They often leave those in dire need without adequate support.

A Beacon of Hope: The Caledon Basic Income Plan

A Basic Income Plan for Canadians with Severe Disabilities offers a glimmer of hope.

The Plan was commissioned by the Council of Canadians with Disabilities and the Canadian Association for Community Living.

Caledon Basic Income Plan proposes to transform the lives of Canadians with disabilities, ending poverty through a streamlined system and empowering the most vulnerable

This plan, crafted by the respected Caledon Institute of Social Policy, promises to revolutionize income support and services for Canadians with severe disabilities.

At its core, the plan focuses on working-age Canadians with severe to very severe disabilities.

The Plan aligns with the Federal government’s existing systems—the Disability Tax Credit and the CPP Disability Benefit.

By merging these two systems into one streamlined qualification process, it seeks to eliminate existing anomalies.

Empowering the Most Vulnerable

Under the Basic Income Plan, the Disability Tax Credit would transform into a $2,000 refundable tax credit, ensuring that those with the lowest incomes receive the support they need.

Gone are the days when a lawyer in a wheelchair earning $150,000 receives a $3,600 tax credit, while someone on social assistance receives nothing.

This Plan channels taxpayer funds more effectively, directly benefiting those living in poverty.

A Comprehensive and Achievable Transition

Unlike previous proposals, the Basic Income Plan offers a comprehensive and relatively straightforward transition process for the Federal government.

While not entirely cost-neutral, it leverages existing infrastructure and requires only minor incremental costs.

It redirects provincial resources previously allocated to social assistance, which can now be devoted to critical disability support, including assistive devices, personal services, and social inclusion initiatives.

The Path Forward

The Caledon Basic Income Plan represents a beacon of hope for Canadians with disabilities. It is a testament to collaboration between organizations, policymakers, and advocates, all united by a common goal—to break the shackles of poverty for those who deserve better.

We encourage anyone in disability, social assistance, or related fields to take a few minutes to read the Caledon Basic Income Plan.

It’s not just a plan; it’s a promise of transformation—a chance to rewrite the narratives of Canadians with disabilities and ensure that every day truly is a blessing for them.

Together, we can make it happen.

Download –  Caledon Basic Income Plan

Related Canadian Mental Health Association. Featured image by Sharyn Morrow Creative Commons license, some rights reserved.