May 01, 2010 Rob PetrolliniLisez en Francais
May 1 marks the start of multiple sclerosis awareness month here in Canada. During the month of May, the goal of the MS Society of Canada is to increase awareness about MS; inform the public about the MS Society’s services and mission; and to engage new and existing supporters in our efforts to end MS.
But before I continue, I should introduce myself. My name is Rob Petrollini, new media specialist with the MS Society of Canada. I’ve been working closely with the endMS campaign team since December 2007, and I’ll do my best to provide you updates surrounding the endMS campaign, as well as update you on happenings from within the MS Society of Canada.
Our awareness month theme this year is Take Action. End MS. And we will be focusing on two big issues: income security and caregiver support. MS has a profound impact on the ability to earn a living and over time, up to 80 per cent of people with MS can no longer work. This often occurs because of a lack of accommodation by employers, and a lack of appropriate government supports. We’re lobbying for some important changes that will make a difference:
- Make Employment Insurance sickness benefits more flexible to allow people with MS or their caregivers to work part-time and receive partial benefits.
- Make the Disability Tax Credit a refundable benefit.
- Allow spouses to claim the Caregiver Tax Credit
MS affects the entire family. Spouses, mothers, fathers and children as well as friends become caregivers. These folks are integral to the health and well-being of people with MS. Unfortunately, caregiving can have negative effects on the health of caregivers themselves and their own financial security.
Download our position paper on The Cost of Caring: Implications for family caregivers.
Also worth mentioning; CBC.ca published a piece on April 8 titled MP wants caregiver tax credit for spouses of disabled. The initiative, put forward by Winnipeg North NDP MP Judy Wasylycia-Leis, is pushing the Federal Government to extent the caregiver tax credit to spouses of people with disabilities. The MS Society of Canada is backing the bill.
Our government relations and advocacy team strives for these changes in government and industry policies in an effort to benefit people affected by MS. Is there anything you do to recognize MS awareness month? Let me know, or perhaps we can give you some ideas.
Technorati tags: endMS, multiple sclerosis, MS Awareness Month