Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world.
More than 90,000 Canadians live with multiple sclerosis.
On average, 12 Canadians are diagnosed each day.
MS is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 49.
MS costs Canadian society an estimated $3.4 billion each year.
Living with MS in Canada
Like thousands of Canadians each year, Alex was diagnosed with MS. What followed changed the course of his life. While early treatment helped, his symptoms continued to progress over time. Living with MS means navigating a condition that is complex and unpredictable. Symptoms can change, and their impact is not always visible. For many Canadians, the systems designed to support them often do not reflect the realities of living with MS.
The cost of inaction is significant
MS places a significant burden on individuals, families and the Canadian economy, costing more than $3.4 billion each year. A targeted $15 million investment in prevention research would accelerate progress, strengthen Canadian leadership, and advance made-in-Canada solutions connected to global expertise.
Invest to prevent MS
Momentum is building around the potential to prevent MS. Research has identified key risk factors associated with MS, including the Epstein-Barr virus. Early diagnosis and access to treatment can help slow disease progression. Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world and is well positioned to strengthen its global leadership in MS research to help prevent future diagnoses.
Modernize the Disability Tax Credit
Amanda was diagnosed with MS at 26. By 31, she needed a walker to move around her home and often spent more than 16 hours a day in bed. Her career as a pediatric nurse came to an end. When Amanda applied for the Disability Tax Credit, she found the criteria did not reflect the reality of living with MS. Her experience reflects the challenges many people living with MS face in Canada.
Fluctuating and invisible symptoms can make it difficult to qualify for the Disability Tax Credit under strict criteria. When people living with MS do not qualify, they can also lose access to other supports they are entitled to, including the Registered Disability Savings Plan and the Canada Disability Benefit.
Amend the Disability Tax Credit and Make a Meaningful Difference in the Lives of Canadians with MS
Revise
Revise eligibility criteria to better reflect episodic and invisible disabilities such as MS.
Coordinate
Coordinate access across federal and provincial disability benefits to provide a comprehensive support system.
Simplify
Simplify the application process by creating a more straightforward application, with clear instructions, plain language and fewer repetitive steps.
MS Canada provides information, support, and advocacy to Canadians affected by MS, and funds research to find the causes and cures for the disease. As part of the MS community, we are committed to ensuring Canadians living with MS, and their families, can participate fully in all aspects of life.
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MS Canada provides information, support, and advocacy to Canadians affected by MS, and funds research to find the causes and cures for the disease. As part of the MS community, we are committed to ensuring Canadians living with MS, and their families can participate fully in all aspects of life.