Senator Gold, my question has to do with the Canada Disability Benefit.

During the study of Bill C-22, senators and witnesses pointed out that this framework bill gave the government a great deal of latitude in developing this benefit. Members of the disability community asked us to trust the government’s commitment to developing regulations that would be inclusive, so that everything would be done in the spirit of “Nothing for us without us.”

I’m a little worried about what I’m hearing today. A number of organizations have contacted us to warn that consultations haven’t been very inclusive and the dynamic that was promised hasn’t materialized. In other words, we were supposed to be co‑creators in the development of these benefits.

Senator Gold, the disability community had decided to trust the government. Can you reassure me that they weren’t wrong to do so?

Thank you, Senator Gold. I am sure you will remember that, in committee, Minister Qualtrough said that she hoped the first cheques would be issued before the end of 2024. Can you also ask whether the government is on track to meet that objective?