I am a resident of Richmond, BC who has been forced into early retirement due to health complications from diabetes. My wife and I are among the many Canadians living with disabilities who struggle to make ends meet on the meager disability benefits provided by our government. Our monthly income is less than that of other pensioners, despite our additional needs for care and accommodation.

The cost of living in Richmond is high, and with my wife receiving only $580 per month from Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits, we are barely surviving. The financial burden becomes even more severe when considering necessary expenses such as wheelchairs for those unable to walk or modifications needed for housing accessibility.

Our situation is not unique; there are many others like us. According to Statistics Canada (2017), over 6 million Canadians aged 15 years and over reported having at least one disability that limited their daily activities - that's nearly 22% of the population.

We believe it's time our government recognized this reality and increased disability benefits accordingly. We urge lawmakers in Richmond, BC to reassess the current rates offered under CPP Disability Benefits scheme and adjust them so they reflect the true cost of living with a disability in today's society.

Please sign this petition if you believe everyone deserves a fair chance at life regardless of their physical condition or circumstances. Let us show our government that we stand together in demanding better support for people living with disabilities.