Readout: Disability Advisory Committee Meeting – July 8, 2024
The Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) co-chair Gillian Pranke began the July 8 virtual meeting by welcoming everyone and thanking them for the contributions they have made to date. She also noted that the majority of recommendations identified through the committee’s annual report that fall under CRA’s purview have been implemented.
Ms. Pranke then invited DAC co chair Sharon McCarry to provide opening remarks.
Ms. McCarry began by welcoming everyone to the meeting thanked all the members for their dedication and hard work on the committee. Ms. McCarry highlighted that this would be her last formal DAC meeting as a co-chair before the committee meets in person in Ottawa in the fall.
Ms. Pranke took a moment to individually acknowledge and thank the three outgoing DAC members, Dr. Olaf Kraus de Camargo, Dr. Marie-Hélène Chomienne, and Janean Marshall for their contributions and the work they have done to improve the vulnerable populations’ lives, including persons with disabilities, and Indigenous people.
She then advised the DAC that the Minister, National Revenue is currently considering the candidacy of new members and that an announcement identifying new members will be made in the coming weeks.
Following the co-chair’s announcements Ms. Sujata Verma, Director General of the Assessment, Benefit and Service Branch at the Canada Revenue Agency, presented CRA’s program updates. Ms. Verma highlighted recent announcements from the 2024 federal budget which included a commitment to moving forward with the Canada Disability Benefit, as well as an announcement regarding government-issued funding to cover medical forms required to apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).. Ms. Verma congratulated the committee for their influence in expanding the definitions related to Disability Supports Deduction coverage which the DAC put forward in both their first and second annual reports.
Mr. Emile Tompa, Dr. Laura. Housden, and Mr. Brendon Poorman provided updates on the working groups: Accessibility and Navigation, and Disability Status and Professional Practice.
Dr. Jennifer Zwicker then provided a brief overview of the topics and themes planned for the 5th annual report. Ms. Zwicker presented the overview of the different sections of the annual report and noted that input from members on the annual report would continue to be welcomed over the summer.
Ms. Pranke closed the meeting by once again thanked committee members for their contributions and continued support and noted that the next meeting is tentatively scheduled for the fall and will be in person in Ottawa. Mr. Jonathan Lai then reiterated his thanks to everyone for their contributions and continued support in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.