Advocates for individuals with episodic disabilities are voicing strong criticism over the federal government's conflicting definitions of disability. They argue that the government employs a narrower definition when determining eligibility for benefits, inadvertently excluding many Canadians who experience fluctuating symptoms of their conditions.
Canada's disability benefit program, launched in June 2025, aims to assist low-income individuals with disabilities. However, the eligibility criteria rely heavily on the Canada Disability Tax Credit, which requires a disability to be present "all or almost all of the time (generally at least 90 per cent)." This stringent requirement poses a significant barrier for individuals with episodic disabilities, whose conditions can vary in severity daily or weekly.
This contrasts sharply with the definition of disability outlined in the Accessible Canada Act, which broadly encompasses "physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment — or a functional limitation — whether permanent, temporary or episodic in nature." Advocates point out the inconsistency of having two distinct definitions within federal law, with the more restrictive one impacting access to essential benefits.
Amanda Fraser, who has multiple sclerosis, shared her experience of being denied benefits despite qualifying for other federal disability programs. "I have been approved by the federal government that I am disabled, and can qualify for something like the (Canada) Pension Plan Disability, but then under the same federal government, they use a different definition," she stated, highlighting the confusion and frustration faced by many. The Jobs and Families Department has stated that the definition of disability in the Canada Disability Benefit Act is not the sole criterion for eligibility, yet the reliance on the Disability Tax Credit remains a significant hurdle for those with non-constant conditions. This disparity raises questions about the inclusivity and effectiveness of current federal policies in supporting all Canadians with disabilities.
