MS belongs in the DTC's new streamlined pathway
Multiple sclerosis (MS) does not always fit neatly into a form, but its impact is real, lifelong, and often life-changing.
Canadians living with MS often face barriers accessing the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) because the current process relies on a point-in-time assessment. For a disease like MS, where symptoms can fluctuate but the impact accumulates over time, that approach does not reflect this reality.
The federal government has announced a new streamlined pathway under the DTC to reduce paperwork and administrative burden for people with certain long-lasting medical conditions.
That is an important step — but MS was not included.
The government is deciding how this new pathway will work and now is the time to make sure MS is included. As MS is a formally diagnosed, lifelong, progressive neurological disease including MS in the streamlined pathway would help reduce repeated applications, medical certifications, reassessments, and delays for people already navigating a complex system.
Now, federal Ministers need to hear directly from the MS community.
Send a letter today to help show Ministers responsible for disability and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) that MS belongs in the DTC’s new streamlined pathway, because MS is episodic in symptoms, but continuous in impact.
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP.
We’ve drafted a message to Minister of Finance and National Revenue François-Philippe Champagne and Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu.
By sending your letter, you’ll add your voice to a growing MS community calling for a practical, targeted fix: include MS in the DTC’s new streamlined pathway.
Every message helps show Ministers Champagne and Hajdu that Canadians affected by MS are paying attention and expect action.
► EXPAND TO READ THE LETTER
Dear Minister Champagne and Minister Hajdu,
As a Canadian affected by multiple sclerosis (MS), I am asking you to include MS in the new streamlined pathway for long-lasting medical conditions under the Disability Tax Credit (DTC).
MS is a formally diagnosed, lifelong, and progressive neurological disease. While symptoms can fluctuate from day to day, the impact of MS is continuous and often accumulates over time. MS is distinct because the underlying disease is continuous and progressive, even when symptoms are episodic or less visible.
That is why the current DTC process does not always reflect the reality of living with MS. A point-in-time assessment can miss the ongoing and changing nature of the disease. As a result, many people with MS face repeated applications, medical forms, reassessments, and uncertainty, even though their diagnosis is not in question.
The new streamlined pathway is meant to reduce administrative burden for people with long-lasting conditions. MS fits that purpose. Including MS would reduce unnecessary duplication for applicants, health care providers, and the DTC system itself.
This is a practical and targeted opportunity to make the DTC work better. MS is episodic in symptoms, but continuous in impact and the system should reflect that reality.
Thank you for your consideration. I ask that you include MS as the new streamlined pathway is developed and implemented.
Sincerely,
[Participant First and Last Name]
[Riding Name]
[Postal Code]
Cc: MS Canada