Issue:

After becoming disabled, I thought I was lucky that I had health insurance to cover most of my drug costs.  But when you become disabled you have a million and one expenses that other people don't have and much of it is not covered by insurance.  I added it all up and my uninsured expenses come close to $8,000.00 a year.  This if for extra therapy health insurance doesn't cover to having to hire someone to do household maintenence that I used to have to do myself.  I have to eat special foods that don't interfere with my prescription drugs, to buying a special cooking utensils that are easier to grasp. Different clothes that are easier to put on.  Special boots and a cane so I don't slip on the ice.   I have to take a lot of taxis when I feel it is too painful to drive, my mind wouldn't be on my driving and it's too dangerous.  They have special buses but they have to be booked a day in advance and you never know when pain is going to hit you. It's truly amazing and new items pop up all the time, it never seems to stop.  Lefe does not stand still becasue you are disabled. I hold down a full time job, have a lovely understanding wife and a son and daughter who I love dearly.   The government offers next to nothing for non-medical expenses, yet you have to spend the money and it's part of being disabled.  The government offers a $1,500.00 tax credit, if you qualify. but you literally have to be flat on your back and unable to do anything in order to qualify.

Belief:

Disabled Canadians have a lot of non-medical expenses and it's too hard to make ends meet if the government is taxing you at the same rate as everyone else.   Even if you qualify $1500.00 isn't even in the ballpark of all the non medical expenses you have to buy and it's unlikely I'll qualify.  Life is tough enough, people with certain disabled conditions that have been verified by a government Doctor or a third party Doctor should have their tax rate cut in half so our bi-weekly deductable would be cut in half and we wouldn't have to worry when we have extra expenses.  We contribute to society by not being a burden and paying some taxes, but the Canadian Government's attitude towards disabled people is this.  They tell you they want you out there holding down a job, which is what most of us want.  But at the same time the government should recognize if they want us to work and not be a burden on society, then they should give us a break on our taxes.  It cost's extra for a disabled person to work and live like a non-disabled person.