TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - April 28, 2015) - The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (MS Society) applauds the recently announced federal budget, noting that several of its provisions will make a significant difference in the lives of those who need support. While congratulating the government on the compassionate care benefit and the home accessibility tax credit, the MS Society noted that it will continue to advocate for additional improvements for those living with MS.
"The MS Society of Canada was pleased to see that the Economic Action Plan presented by the federal government contained an extension in the employment insurance compassionate care benefit from six weeks to six months," says Yves Savoie, president and CEO, MS Society of Canada. "We salute the government for this measure, as an important step toward an eventual expansion that will include chronic and episodic illness periods."
"The new home accessibility tax credit will be an important vehicle allowing many individuals living with MS to remain in their homes, while offsetting costs of care," adds Neil Pierce, vice president, government relations, MS Society of Canada. "The capital gains exemption changes contained in the budget will also make it easier for charitable donors to provide support to people living with MS who the MS Society serves. These changes are to be applauded."
In the coming weeks, MS Society members and staff will be in Ottawa to launch MS Awareness Month, which will allow for an opportunity to discuss the potential for improving the support infrastructure for Canadians affected by MS. A parliamentary luncheon co-hosted by Bernard Trottier (Etobicoke-Lakeshore), Kennedy Stewart (Burnaby-Douglas) and Ralph Goodale (Wascana) will be held on Tuesday, May 5 to discuss how the MS Society of Canada is taking bold action to end Canada's disease. They will ask MPs to join this fight to end MS in their lifetime by investing in research and affect positive change in the lives of people impacted by the disease today by supporting improvements in income and employment supports.
A Carnation Pinning Ceremony is set for Wednesday, May 6 where MS Society representatives along with party representatives Laurie Hawn (Edmonton Centre), Kennedy Stewart (Burnaby-Douglas) and Hedy Fry (Vancouver Centre) will present carnations, a symbol of hope for people with MS, to Members of Parliament (MPs). Following the ceremony, MPs involved in the carnation pinning ceremony will also share members' statements.
About multiple sclerosis and the MS Society of Canada
Canada has the highest rate of multiple sclerosis in the world. MS is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system comprising the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. It is one of the most common neurological diseases affecting young adults in Canada. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40, and the unpredictable effects of MS last for the rest of their lives. The MS Society provides services to people with MS and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease. Please visit mssociety.ca or call 1-800-268-7582 to make a donation or for more information.
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Contact Information:
CONTACT:
Lindsay Gulin
MS Society of Canada
1-800-268-7582 ext. 3245
lindsay.gulin@mssociety.ca