Governments of Canada and BC join forces to challenge provinces and territories to help Canadians with disabilities plan for the future by raising awareness of the Registered Disability Savings Plan

Original article from newswire.ca

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VANCOUVER, Oct. 12, 2016 /CNW/ – The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) can help Canadians with disabilities achieve long-term financial security through two financial incentives – the Canada Disability Savings Bond and the Canada Disability Savings Grant. The more Canadians that are aware of the program, the better the chance that Canadians who meet the basic eligibility criteria will open a plan.

Today, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, and the Honourable Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation of British Columbia, joined forces to challenge all ministers responsible for persons with disabilities across Canada to take actions to increase Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) uptake in their provinces or territories. Province and territories are encouraged to report on their efforts on social media by using the #RDSPChallenge hashtag.

Minister Qualtrough applauded the Government of British Columbia’s efforts to increase awareness and uptake of the RDSP, and encourages all eligible Canadians to apply for an RDSP. Over 33 percent of individuals in B.C. between the ages of 0 and 49 who are eligible for the disability tax credit have an RDSP, making it the province with the highest per capita uptake in the country.

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Minister Qualtrough is also leading a consultation process to inform planned accessibility legislation. Canadians from around the country have already begun sharing their views on what an accessible Canada means to them. Minister Qualtrough encouraged all Canadians to have their say in the consultation process, either by attending an in-person engagement session or by participating in the online consultation. Canadians are also encouraged to follow @AccessibleGC on Twitter, AccessibleGC on Facebook and to follow the #AccessibleCanada hashtag. The consultation process will run until February 28, 2017.

The challenge launched today will culminate in the celebrations planned to mark the International Day for Persons with Disabilities onDecember 3.

Quotes

“I am very proud that our government is committed to improving the financial security and quality of life for all Canadians. I am encouraging all my provincial and territorial counterparts to join me in helping to ensure Canadians with disabilities are equipped to participate equally in their communities and workplaces.”
– The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

“I am proud of the work being done in B.C. to raise the awareness and uptake of RDSPs. Being recognized by the federal government as a leader in this area is something all British Columbians can be excited about and I hope other jurisdictions take up the challenge to increase their awareness efforts so more people with disabilities will be able to create a secure future for themselves and their families.”
– The Honourable Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation of British Columbia

“I would like to thank the provincial and federal governments – and all of the community organizations and groups that have been working so hard here in B.C. – for their continued commitment to raising awareness about the benefits of RDSPs for people with disabilities. As the Chair of B.C.’s RDSP Action Group, I couldn’t be more thrilled about the steps and actions that British Columbia has taken to increase uptake of the RDSP here in B.C.”
Norah Flaherty, Chair, Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Action Group

Quick Facts

  • To help eligible Canadians with disabilities save, the Government of Canada can put up to $20,000 in the form of bond money into the RDSPs of low- and modest-income beneficiaries, even if no contributions are made. The Government of Canada will also match contributions made into the plan by putting in up to $70,000 of grant money.
  • Since its creation, Canadians have collectively registered for more than 123,000 RDSPs and have benefited from over $1.5 billion in bonds and grants from the Government of Canada.

Associated Links

The Registered Disability Savings Plan
The Registered Disability Savings Plan Calculator
Factsheet: Registered Disability Savings Plans
Accessibility 2024
Consultation on Planned Accessibility Legislation
#AccessibleCanada