On April 27, Neil Hetherington, CEO, Daily Bread Food Bank, testified to the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology about Bill C-22, the legislation to establish the Canada Disability Benefit. 

The Canada Disability Benefit is a historic opportunity to alleviate, and even eliminate, poverty among those with disabilities. 

Last year, there were over 2 million food bank visits in Toronto alone. Close to half of food bank clients in Toronto identify as having a disability or chronic health condition.  

Our Who’s Hungry report shows that food bank clients with disabilities experience more severe food insecurity than clients without disabilities. One in three food bank clients with disabilities reported going hungry at least one day per week.  

It is critical that the Senate move quickly to pass the Bill and enable the creation of this important benefit. With food insecurity on the rise, we need to seize this historic opportunity. 

Watch Neil’s full testimony below.