MS Canada Calls for Federal Action on Research and Income Security During MS Awareness Month
OTTAWA, ON [May 1, 2026] – More than 30 MS Canada representatives from across the country will be on Parliament Hill on May 4 to May 5 to meet with Members of Parliament and Senators, culminating in the annual carnation pinning on May 6. They will urge the federal government to take action on priorities that would improve the lives of more than 90,0000 Canadians living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Their advocacy is part of MS Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the realities of living with MS, and drive meaningful change for people affected by MS.
MS Canada will urge the federal government to seize this moment by investing in MS prevention research and modernizing the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) so Canadians living with episodic disabilities like MS can access the support they urgently need.
Recommendation 1: Invest to Prevent MS and Boost Canadian Leadership in Science and Research
MS Canada is calling for a $15 million federal investment to accelerate research into MS prevention, repair, and regeneration. This investment would support the first global research strategy to prevent MS, collaboratively led by MS Canada and MS Australia.
Time matters when it comes to MS. There is strong evidence that early intervention could significantly reduce negative disease outcomes, which are estimated to cost Canada $3.4 billion annually,” said Dr. Pamela Valentine, President and CEO of MS Canada. “We have an unprecedented opportunity to build momentum on the body of knowledge in the field of MS prevention. This initiative will advance our understanding of risk, help diagnose MS earlier, and intervene sooner.”
Recommendation 2: Modernize the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) to Bring Down Costs for Canadians
The DTC has become a cornerstone of federal disability support and a gateway to the new Canada Disability Benefit. We welcome the federal government’s recognition that access to the DTC needs improvement and the proposed administrative changes in the Spring Economic Update are a positive step. However, these changes to do not address the core issue for Canadians living with MS: outdated eligibility criteria that fail to reflect the episodic nature of MS. A current parliamentary petition initiated by MS Canada Ambassador, Barb Van Walleghem, echoes MS Canada’s calls to modernize the DTC by:
updating eligibility criteria to reflect episodic disabilities,
simplifying the application process, and
aligning the credit with other federal disability benefits for a more coordinated and equitable system.
“I know firsthand how difficult accessing the DTC is. Modernizing the DTC will reduce financial strain, improve access to other benefits, and help Canadians with MS achieve greater income security,” said Barb Van Walleghem, the MS Canada Ambassador who initiated the petition and who will be the featured speaker at this year’s Day on the Hill event. “We continually advocate to remove barriers for Canadians affected by MS and the changes we’re advocating for can make a real difference.”
The events in Ottawa will conclude on Wednesday, May 6, with the annual Carnation Pinning. Members of Parliament and Senators will wear red carnations, a symbol of hope in the MS community, pinned to their lapels. A national Digital Carnation Pinning will take place the same day, giving Canadians across the country a way to participate and show their support.
MS Canada remains committed to working with the federal government to build a stronger future for people affected by MS and to advance meaningful policy changes that reflect the needs of the MS community.
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About MS Canada
At MS Canada, we are inspired by the vision of a world free of multiple sclerosis. We focus on support, advocacy and research that will positively impact the lives of people living with, and affected by MS. For over 75 years, we have been a trusted connection for the MS community to valuable resources and programs needed on their unique MS journey. We advocate for policy change that removes barriers and improves the well-being of persons affected by MS in Canada. We invest in life-changing research that will advance treatment and care, enhance well-being, help to understand and halt disease progression, and ultimately prevent MS.
About Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the world. On average, 12 Canadians are diagnosed every day. MS is a neurological disease of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve). Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 49. MS is a continuous disease process that progresses through different stages over time, and everyone experiences it differently as severity, symptoms and response to treatment can vary from one person to the next. The unpredictable, episodic yet progressive nature of MS makes it particularly challenging to maintain an adequate quality of life.
Media Contact:
Laila Namur
Manager, Corporate Communications
778 874 4876