There is a backlog of more than 10,000 people appealing benefit rulings across Canada, including Canada Pension Plan disability benefits (new window). An aging population and increasing disability rates has contributed to the growing backlog of people trying to access federal supports. It has been stressful for people with disabilities waiting to have their files reviewed as the wait times continue to grow.

We are happy to learn Minister Kenney (new window) has appointed 22 additional employees to the Federal social security tribunal (new window). This will help alleviate the stress on government systems and on the lives of people with disabilities across Canada.

“Many people with disabilities are often living below the poverty line,” says Dr. Gary Birch, Executive Director of the Neil Squire Society. “The need to have timely access to benefits is critically important in their lives. The appointment of twenty-two additional employees to the social security tribunal is a key step towards helping to address the backlog of appeals, and helping to improve the lives of people with disabilities.”