nov01c

This letter came to Jim and myself via email. Recently the government has tightened the rules for the disability tax deduction for ostomates. If you received a similar notice and feel that you are still deserving of the deduction I would encourage you to write a letter in support of Mr. Mathieu. MP�s email addresses can be obtained at the parliamentary website at http//www.parl.gc.ca. Select your language then click on the Senators and Members link.
31 Oct 2001,
Dear Mr. Cauchon: (email: [email protected])
I recently received a letter and a form (T2201) from the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency about the Disability tax credit claim for myself. This letter requests additional information in order to continue to allow my claim for this tax credit.
After reviewing the T2201 it became quite clear that more stringent guidelines were being applied in order to disqualify current recipients of the disability credit. Specifically, most people with permanent ostomies, such as myself, generally will no longer qualify for this credit. The NEW requirements and I quote "You have a severe mental or physical impairment which causes you to be markedly restricted in any of the basic activities of daily living, and the impairment is prolonged" as defined in the T2201 make it impossible for ostomates to qualify for the credit. Additionally the supporting questionnaire that must be completed by a physician which ask the treating physician to specify whether their patient can personally manage bowel and bladder functions will automatically disqualify ostomates for the credit since the response to the questionnaire will inevitably be negative in most cases.
Having lived with an ostomy for nearly 25 years now, I join my fellow ostomates who belong to the ostomy associations copied on this message, in expressing disappointment at this decision to disqualify us in this manner for the tax credit. It may be perceived by some that someone who has an ostomy does not have a marked restriction but I would challenge that. Having to care for a permanent ostomy takes significant additional time and effort. Dealing with constant skin problems, leakage, odors, irritations and always being concerned about appearance and noises that ostomies produce, qualifies as marked restrictions. Restrictions also include the types of clothing that one can wear and to a certain extent the type of physical activities one can pursue. Restrictions may not amount to 14 hours per week nor does it necessarily take another person to care for it as defined on form T2201 but it should be considered as a disability for the restrictions it does present.
Please give ostomates consideration for this credit as we deserve some dignity, sensitivity, and recognition that it is not easy to manage this disability. I encourage my fellow ostomates to write to you and express their disappointment of this process.
Gerard Mathieu
email: [email protected]
103-360 Bloor Street East Toronto,
Ontario M4W 3M3