Thread by @InclusionCA

At 4pm EST, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science & Technology will hear testimony related to Bill C-22, including comments from our EVP @KristaCarrNB. #cdnpoli

We'll be live tweeting throughout the committee meeting.

Tune in here: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca/Harmony/en/Pow…

@KristaCarrNB Session is starting now - first up, introductions from the committee members and an overview of the #accessibility features adopted by committee.

Panel 1 opens with remarks from @CQualtro.

"This poverty finds its roots in historic and ongoing discrimination, bias, and exclusion face by #pwd. These barriers exist because our systems, laws, policies, and programs were not built with or for #pwd."

"The Canada Disability Benefit aims to address the longstanding economic disparity experiences by so many people with disabilities in our country." - @CQualtro

Reviewing the details of #C22 and concerns brought forward by the public, Minister Qualtrough reiterates their commitment to developing a benefit that will not be subject to clawbacks. This is a supplement, not a replacement for P/T benefits.

"The work that you're doing here and the work that was previously done in the House of Commons is a once in a generation opportunity to improve the lives of #pwd and many people are counting on us." @CQualtro

Minister Qualtrough reiterates the commitment to involve the #disability community in regulations, "This will involve significant and meaningful engagement with the disability community on the design of the benefit."

After question period, Panel 1 ends. The session will resume shortly with Panel 2.

Panel 2 starts with remarks from CEO & President of @marchofdimescda Len Baker.

"Disability poverty is a national crisis we can no longer ignore. The CDB will be an income redistribution mechanism creating equity for working age #pwd which children, seniors and others have long benefitted from. It's a long-term solution for a long-term problem." - Len Baker

"This is the very essence of democracy. This framework approach supports this principle without compromising accountability." - Len Baker

“We know it vital that #pwd have meaningful and accessible opportunities to provide input into decisions affecting their lives. All too often they have been left out. The voices and experiences of pwd must shape this historical law that will shape their futures." - Len Baker

Up next, Inclusion Canada EVP @KristaCarrNB with her remarks.

"The creation of the #CDB has been a long time coming. We must give #C22 our full attention, and move quickly to pass this framework legislation, so that we can get to the regulations, and get this benefit into the hands of people with disabilities. We cannot wait any longer."

"C-22 sends a clear message to #pwd that this country will no longer allow them to struggle to live a life with dignity. How we treat people with disabilities in our society reflects our values as a nation, and we have an opportunity to do better." - @KristaCarrNB

"Our position, as well as hundreds of other disability orgs, is that C-22 is a solid foundational piece of legislation and the amendments passed by the other house provide stronger clarity of the positions we were seeking... #PWD cannot afford to wait any longer.” @KristaCarrNB

"No one in Canada should have to live a life in poverty, especially as a result of having a disability. Let’s get this done." - @KristaCarrNB #cdnpoli #C22

Up next, remarks from Margaret Eaton, National CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association.

"We want to ensure that recommendations made by the #disability community are baked into the legislation." - Margaret Eaton

"CMHA strongly agrees with the government's statement that no person with a disability should live in poverty. We look forward to the implementation of this legislation but hope that all Canadians who need the benefit will be able to access it." - Margaret Eaton

Following remarks from witnesses, we enter question period for panel 2.

"No one in Canada should have to live a life in poverty, especially as a result of having a disability. Let’s get this done."

Watch @KristaCarrNB's full remarks on #C22 here: