Monday, December 22, 2025
ADVT 
National

Canadians won't be taxed on disability benefit under proposed rule change

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 17 Dec, 2024 01:48 PM
  • Canadians won't be taxed on disability benefit under proposed rule change

The Liberals are planning to introduce legislation to exempt the Canada Disability Benefit from being treated as income under the Income Tax Act.

The fall economic statement, released Monday, is also calling on provinces and territories to ensure the program's recipients do not have their benefits reduced as a result of it.

The disability benefit, which is set to take effect in July, would see eligible people receive up to $200 per month.

While advocates critiqued the amount as being too low, others worried about it being considered income which could lead to a reduction in provincial and territorial government benefit.

Amanda MacKenzie, the national director of external affairs for March of Dimes Canada, says the government's plan to exempt it from taxation is welcome news and addresses one of the concerns people had about the benefit.

She also says it's a signal from the government to the community that they're going to work with people with disabilities to realize the "full value" of this benefit.

MORE National ARTICLES

2 dozen tires slashed in Nanaimo

2 dozen tires slashed in Nanaimo
A man has been arrested in connection to dozens of tires being slashed overnight in two Nanaimo parking lots. R-C-M-P say officers located 20 vehicles with their tires slashed in a parking lot in the 200 block of Franklyn Street, while another three vehicles with slashed tires were found a short time later in the 300 block of Selby Street.

2 dozen tires slashed in Nanaimo

Canada's privacy commissioner opens investigation into World Anti-Doping Agency

Canada's privacy commissioner opens investigation into World Anti-Doping Agency
The federal privacy watchdog has opened an investigation into the World Anti-Doping Agency's handling of biological samples collected from athletes. The office of privacy commissioner Philippe Dufresne says the investigation will examine whether the collection, use and disclosure practices of the organization respect Canada's personal information law for the private sector.

Canada's privacy commissioner opens investigation into World Anti-Doping Agency

Union says it will challenge Ottawa's intervention in B.C. port work stoppages

Union says it will challenge Ottawa's intervention in B.C. port work stoppages
The union representing locked-out port workers in British Columbia says it plans to challenge the federal government's intervention in the ongoing labour dispute. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Ship & Dock Foremen Local 514 called the government's move an insult to the union and to workers' bargaining rights. 

Union says it will challenge Ottawa's intervention in B.C. port work stoppages

B.C. teen with bird flu is in critical care, infection source unknown: health officer

B.C. teen with bird flu is in critical care, infection source unknown: health officer
The teenager who tested positive for bird flu in British Columbia is in critical condition and being treated at B.C. Children's Hospital, the provincial health officer says. Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday contact tracing being conducted has not identified anyone else linked to the case of the teen who has fallen ill.

B.C. teen with bird flu is in critical care, infection source unknown: health officer

Drugs disguised as dog treats seized by Metro Vancouver Transit Police

Drugs disguised as dog treats seized by Metro Vancouver Transit Police
Two people have been charged after a Metro Vancouver Transit Police investigation turned up guns and illicit drugs, including fentanyl disguised as dog treats. Police say they began investigating an alleged drug trafficking operation based in Surrey, B.C., last spring, leading to the arrest of a man and a woman from the area.

Drugs disguised as dog treats seized by Metro Vancouver Transit Police

Skateboarder hurt in hit and run

Skateboarder hurt in hit and run
Police on Vancouver Island are appealing for witnesses after a 60-year-old skateboarder was hurt in a hit-and-run on Remembrance Day. Mounties say it happened along Comox Road near Scott Road, outside Courtenay.

Skateboarder hurt in hit and run