Readout: Disability Advisory Committee Meeting – January 20, 2026

The Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) convened its first meeting of 2026 virtually, on January 20, 2026. The meeting opened with a land acknowledgment and remarks from Co-chairs Ms. Melanie Serjak (Assistant Commissioner, Assessment Benefit and Service Branch) and Dr. Jennifer Zwicker (DAC Co-Chair), along with Mr. Guillaume Parent (DAC Vice-Chair).

Ms. Serjak emphasized the CRA's commitment to improving accessibility, noting the publication of the CRA Accessibility Plan in December 2025 and ongoing efforts to enhance the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) process. Key discussions included updates from the CRA and a review of DAC priorities.

Ms. Serjak’s team at CRA shared updates on the 100-day Service Improvement Plan. The agency continues to prioritize automation, standardization, and modernization to enhance service delivery. Although the 100-day service improvement plan concluded on December 11, 2025, the agency remains committed to supporting the disability community.

Dr. Zwicker emphasized a number of initiatives the committee continues to advocate for, including simplifying the DTC process, expanding the list of professionals who can complete the DTC form, and enhancing interdepartmental cooperation. Committee members discussed systemic barriers affecting DTC uptake, and the importance of aligning with the CRA to help set actionable priorities for the coming years.

Ms. Serjak and Dr. Zwicker thanked members for their engagement and commitment to improving the lives of Canadians with disabilities and adjourned the meeting. The next DAC meeting is being planned for Spring 2026.