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.
Building a stronger future for Canadians with MS
MS is often known as ‘Canada’s disease’ because the disease affects Canadians at a much higher rate than in other countries. Investing in MS research, with the goal of preventing MS in future generations, can take Canada from being known as a country with high rates of MS to a country that led the way in MS prevention.
The cost of inaction is significant.
MS is a costly disease for Canada, with an annual socioeconomic cost of more than $3.4 billion. An investment of $15 million in MS prevention research from the Government of Canada can change that reality. Together we can speed up advancements, ensure a Canadian perspective, and a made-in-Canada solution that links to global expertise.
Invest to prevent MS
Momentum is building around the potential to prevent MS. Evidence pointing to the necessary role of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in triggering MS has reached a point in which researchers are no longer considering it one potential risk among many, but the risk factor to target.
The MS community knows how important time is. A fast diagnosis leads to earlier access to disease modifying therapies, which may slow or halt disease progression. With one of the highest rates of MS in the world, the Government of Canada can’t be a passive participant in this work. We owe it to Canadians affected by MS to actively support the world-class researchers we have in this country.
Modernize the Disability Tax Credit to bring down costs for Canadians
Canadians are struggling with the cost of living — and for those living with a disability, it’s that much harder. The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) has become a cornerstone of the federal response, but Canadians living with MS often don’t qualify due to stringent criteria and misunderstandings about the disease from those who administer the program. The result? Many Canadians with MS can’t receive other benefits to which they are entitled, including the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and the Canada Disability Benefit. Amendments to the DTC can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians with MS.
Revise
Revise the DTC’s eligibility criteria to recognize the fluctuating nature of episodic disabilities like MS with the multitude of severe and prolonged symptoms, which significantly impact daily life.
Coordinate
Coordinate the DTC with other provincial and federal disability benefits to provide a comprehensive support system for persons with disabilities.
Simplifiy
Simplify the DTC application process through the creation of a more straightforward application with clear instructions, plain language, and fewer repetitive questions.
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.