Friday, November 27, 2009

This is an e-mail I received from the chief executive officer of the Canadian multiple sclerosis Society. While their efforts are to be commended I could not help but write to him regarding the Canadian Grant program for disabled individuals. I've mentioned this to numerous people yet no one seems to care and quite honestly I don't get it. The government will give you thousands of dollars towards your retirement yet discriminate if you are older than 49. You can read my letter which follows.
Have a great day and weekend
Michael

From the Executive Officer,
Thanks to support from coast-to-coast, we were able to reach 97 percent of Members of Parliament in June 2009 and let them know what is needed to improve incomes for people affected by MS and to help end MS through increased health research funding.
The other good news is that two MPs have agreed to sponsor private member’s bills to improve income security for people with MS and caregivers. I’ll provide more information when the bills are closer to being introduced about how you can help.
The MS Society of Canada’s request is for some simple changes to support people with MS, their families and caregivers.
Immediate help for caregivers by allowing their spouses to claim the Caregiver Tax Credit
Helping people stay at their jobs by making Employment Insurance sickness benefits more flexible to allow part-time work and partial benefits
Making the Disability Tax Credit refundable– to put money in more people’s pockets
The ultimate goal, of course, is to end MS. So we are also asking the federal government to increase funding for health research – with a commitment of new funds to make research happen in 2010. Click here to learn more about these issues.
And if you would like to make a donation to support vital MS Society research and crucial services for people affected by MS, just click here.
Thank you for making a difference.
Yves SavoiePresident and Chief Executive Officer Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
P.S. You may have seen news coverage of a CCSVI (chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency) study that might have an impact on people with MS. To learn more about the study and its implications, visit our website.




Mr. Yves Savoie November 27, 2009

I would like to begin by taking the opportunity to thank you for the work you are doing to help those of us suffering from multiple sclerosis.
Perhaps the following could be investigated to determine if what I deem as age-based discrimination against those of us who require it most.

As one of the most common neurological diseases affecting young people today I am certain you are aware that the average age of onset for multiple sclerosis is approximately 37 years. It is also documented that for the majority of people affected by this disease most will require some type of assistive device 15 years after being diagnosed. Applying to receive the disability tax credit varies greatly depending on one's level of disability.

I was quite excited when the government of Canada announced the disability savings Grant and Bond it appeared to assist in providing financial support, when one considers that contributions to non-defined pension plans usually stop when someone becomes disabled this program would ultimately provide for a reasonable retirement. Upon further investigation I found persons over the age of 49 were disqualified on the basis of age, this would seem discriminatory, against the Canadian charter of rights and freedoms? Based on the information at the beginning of this text it is quite apparent most people suffering from the most common neurological disease would be disqualified based on age.

I have written several letters going so far as to seek legal counsel yet the information I received demonstrated the legal costs alone to pursue this would be prohibitive that is unless I could find a legal firm willing to accept this on a pro bono basis or possibly the MS Society.

I will be posting this on my blog and sending a copy to our local MS chapter in the hopes that this can be added as something to investigate, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience. I believe this to be of great importance for myself and the vast majority of us with multiple sclerosis.
Regards
Michael Halashyn