MS Canada Calls for Federal Action to Build a Stronger Future for Canadians Living with Multiple Sclerosis

Toronto, ON [October 26, 2025] — Over 30 representatives from across Canada will be on Parliament Hill on October 27 and 28 to meet with Members of Parliament, Senators, and policy staff to discuss how the government can build a stronger future for the MS community. MS Canada is urging the federal government to take bold steps to improve the lives of more than 90,000 Canadians living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their families by implementing two key policy recommendations: investing in MS prevention research and modernizing the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). 

The case for action is significant. Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with 12 Canadians diagnosed every day. The economic impact is staggering—MS costs Canada more than $3.4 billion annually, including $1.31 billion in health system expenses and $1.33 billion in productivity losses. 

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.  

“We are at a pivotal moment in our understanding of MS. We are now seeing remarkable health outcomes for Canadians living with MS, including reduced mortality rates of over 30 per cent and delayed disability by over 10 years,” said Dr. Pamela Valentine, President and CEO of MS Canada. “With recent scientific advancements, we know that the disease starts as early as 15 years prior to a diagnosis, opening an unprecedented window of opportunity to intervene early to prevent disease expression or worsening.  MS Canada is leading a global collaborative effort on MS prevention to accelerate research towards cures, reduce long-term healthcare costs, and strengthen Canada’s leadership in science and innovation.” 

Recommendation 2: Modernize the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) to Bring Down Costs for Canadians 
The DTC is a cornerstone of federal disability support, yet outdated eligibility criteria exclude many Canadians with MS. MS Canada recommends revising the criteria to reflect the episodic nature of MS, simplifying the application process, and aligning the DTC with other disability benefits to create a more coordinated and equitable support system. 

“MS Canada is committed to advocating for policy and systemic change that removes barriers and improves the well-being of all Canadians affected by MS,” said Benjamin Davis, Senior Vice-President, Mission at MS Canada. “The current Disability Tax Credit framework does not reflect the realities of living with MS. Modernizing the DTC will reduce financial strain, improve access to other benefits, and help Canadians with MS achieve greater income security.”  

Together, we can create a world free of MS. To learn more about MS Canada and ways to support the MS community, please view our informational booklet. 

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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. 

For more information visit mscanada.ca 

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). 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, MS Canada  

778 874 4876. laila.namur@mscanada.ca