Hon. Andrew Cardozo: My question is for the Government Representative. I want to build on the statement made earlier by Senator Petitclerc to celebrate the incredible Paralympians who are in town today and to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

I want to return to an issue that I have raised, as many other senators have, which is the Canada Disability Benefit. Do you have any news for us as to whether the government will reconsider the paltry amount they have promised and bring forward the date of implementation?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question and also for highlighting the presence here on the Hill today of our wonderful athletes. I regret I was tied up and not able to meet some of them, as I hope many of you were able to meet them earlier today.

I don’t have an update with regard to the disability benefits. As I said, it has been a while now, but I repeat that the government understands the disappointment of many within and beyond the disability communities that the amounts in this first and historic effort have fallen short of people’s expectations. The government continues to believe it’s an important program and looks forward to working with members of the disability community to do more and to do better. For the moment, I have no information about any future measures.

Senator Cardozo: Thank you. Just by way of information, I will say the event was amazing. It was amazing to see Senator McBean and Senator Petitclerc enjoying old home week as they celebrated a number of their fellow Olympians.

Let me ask about the $250 cheques that the government has been talking about. If this does go ahead, can the government ensure that Canadians with disabilities are considered for these cheques, given that affordability challenges are magnified for those with disabilities?

Senator Gold: Thank you. As we all know, colleagues, the idea that was introduced has run into some criticism and recommendations from different quarters looking for expansion. The government is considering all of that important input. That’s why the GST part was separated out so that it could be provided to Canadians while work is being done with regard to the other matter of those cheques.