[Toronto, Ontario]

Autism Ontario recognizes several measures in the 2025 Federal Budget may support autistic individuals, their families, and caregivers. However, while investments in housing, health infrastructure, and affordability are welcome, the budget falls short in addressing the urgent and ongoing needs of autistic people and those who care for them. 

The government’s reaffirmation that payments from the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) will not be treated as taxable income under the Income Tax Act is a meaningful step toward protecting the value of this long-awaited benefit. It is disappointing, however, that the maximum monthly amount – which was intended as a poverty reduction measure for Canadians with disabilities – has not increased in this budget. This shortfall is felt acutely by those already facing financial insecurity, many of whom continue to navigate complex and costly eligibility requirements just to access the benefit. Efforts to reduce access barriers, such as a one-time $150 payment to offset the cost of obtaining a Disability Tax Credit certificate, represent progress, but these are modest gains within a system that still leaves too many behind.

Canada’s commitments must go further. Autistic people and their caregivers continue to face long wait times for diagnosis, inequitable access to funded or deeply affordable services across the lifespan and limited financial supports that do not reflect the realities of daily life and caregiving. The absence of new investments to implement Canada’s Autism Strategy, launched in 2024, represents a missed opportunity to translate national commitments into meaningful, coordinated action. Without dedicated funding, the Strategy’s potential to drive change remains at risk. 

We also note the government’s commitments of $1 billion for transitional and supportive housing, $1.5 billion for a Canada Rental Protection Fund, and $423 million for co-operative housing.These are important steps, yet the budget does not address the growing shortage of accessible and actually affordable housing options for people with developmental disabilities, an issue that directly affects the autonomy, economic stability, dignity, and inclusion of autistic adults. 

Autism Ontario will continue to advocate for federal and provincial investments that treat caregiving, accessibility, participation, and inclusion as critical components of social and economic strength. A strong Canada must ensure autistic people and their families have equitable access to services, supports, and opportunities to thrive, today and for generations to come.

For more information, please email Autism Ontario’s Media Team at media@autismontario.com.  

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