The government body puts forward 26 recommendations in a recent report
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has embraced a comprehensive set of 26 recommendations from its Disability Advisory Committee (DAC). These recommendations, outlined in the committee’s fourth annual report, aim to bolster the administration and interpretation of tax measures for individuals with disabilities nationwide.
“The Disability Advisory Committee provides valuable perspectives to help the CRA better understand the needs of and serve persons with disabilities,” said Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada’s Minister of National Revenue.
The DAC’s report, released on March 8, 2024, highlights the progress made by the CRA in response to previous recommendations while introducing new strategies for further improvement. It also outlined steps to improve the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) client experience. The report highlights the launch of a fully digital DTC application process, aimed at expediting and simplifying the application procedure for both applicants and their medical practitioners.
The 26 recommendations, organized into various categories ranging from definition and approach to disability to procedures for applying and appeals, offer a roadmap for refining the DTC program and addressing critical issues related to eligibility and accessibility. Key proposals include reframing the definition of disability to align with a biopsychosocial model, modifying survey questions to enhance awareness and accessibility, and implementing strategies to increase public education about the DTC’s role in supporting individuals with disabilities.
The DAC’s report also emphasizes the need for collaboration among government agencies at federal, provincial, and territorial levels to address the challenges faced by Canadians with disabilities effectively. In that vein, the report includes recommendations such as developing a distinct accessible support pathway for the digital application process and providing guidelines for practitioners regarding application fees.
While acknowledging the progress made by the CRA in enhancing engagement and service provision, the report also highlights the need for continued efforts to better serve marginalized communities, including Indigenous Peoples, Black individuals, and racialized communities. The DAC stresses the importance of co-designing policies and services with underserved groups and individuals with relevant expertise to ensure inclusive and equitable future changes.
The CRA says its decision to embrace the DAC’s recommendations signals a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and accessible environment for Canadians with disabilities.
