William D. Casey, M.P.

Cumberland Colchester

712 Confederation Building

House of Commons

Ottawa, ON  K1A 0A6

House of Commons

Chambre des communes

Canada

Press Release

Ottawa Tel: (613) 992-3366

Ottawa Fax: (613) 992-7220

Amherst Tel: (902) 667-8679

Truro Tel: (902) 893-2455

Casey questions CCRA decisions regarding disability tax credit

October 24, 2002

Ottawa – Once again, today in the House of Commons, Bill Casey MP raised the issue of the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) being denied to Canadians with disabilities.  Casey has referred to specific examples this week in the House of Commons, where two individuals who both qualified for the DTC for several years, have now been determined no longer disabled by CCRA and are not eligible for the tax credit.

First, Mr. Don Pryor who was run over by a train in 1979, had a leg amputated as well as other serious injuries, has recently been denied his tax credit after receiving it for more than two decades.  Second, Mr. Sherman Bent, who was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Type cancer four years ago and suffered through a full session of chemotherapy which failed.  Then he underwent a complete bone marrow transplant, which resulted in his confinement to a wheelchair, and some loss of both hearing and sight.  Last night he received an official letter from CCRA stating he is no longer disabled.

Casey wants to know how officials at CCRA are able to overrule doctors and say that these people are no longer disabled.  Two weeks ago the Minister of Revenue responded to Casey’s inquires by suggesting these individuals no longer need tax credits.  This is simply an unsatisfactory answer.

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For further information:

Bill Casey, M.P.

Progressive Conservative Critic

Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 992-3366