New disability data reveals that New Brunswick has experienced the highest increase in disability rates across Canada between 2017 and 2022. According to Statistics Canada, over a third of New Brunswick’s population now has a disability. This marks an 8.6 percentage point rise, surpassing the national average increase of 4.7 percentage points. Presently, the province has the second highest disability rate in the country, trailing Nova Scotia by just 2.6 percentage points.
Reacting to the data, Haley Flaro, the director of Ability New Brunswick, expressed her concern about the situation. Flaro emphasized that inadequate disability support programs, insufficient home assistance, challenges in recruiting workers, and a lack of accessible transportation to medical appointments have driven individuals to choose options such as Medical Assistance in Dying. Flaro noted a substantial increase in the number of people seeking support, with a third more reaching out for assistance in recent years.
Disability brings with it various challenges, including issues related to accessibility and income support. Flaro stated that individuals with disabilities and single parents represent the most impoverished populations in New Brunswick. The statistics from Statistics Canada also indicate that the aging population has contributed to the overall increase in disability rates. Previously, Ability New Brunswick primarily served adults between the ages of 20 and 50. However, Flaro observed that now 50% of the people she engages with are over the age of 55. Consequently, the organization has adapted its services to cater to the needs of seniors.
The data also highlights a significant increase in the number of youth with disabilities in Canada, reflecting a rise of seven percentage points. Flaro expressed uncertainty as to whether this increase is due to better promotion of services or a genuine surge in diagnoses. However, she did note that more youth are being diagnosed with conditions such as cerebral palsy or rare neurological disorders.
Of all disabilities, mental health-related conditions exhibited the largest increase nationwide since 2017. Flaro emphasized that individuals are struggling with mental health distress while attempting to adjust to disability and encountering difficulties in navigating programs and services.
Flaro believes that New Brunswick is inadequately preparing to meet the growing demands of people with disabilities as the population continues to age. The province’s health system is already feeling the strain of the increased disability rates. Flaro urges all policymakers to examine the statistics and incorporate a disability lens into economic and social policies.
In response to the data, a spokesperson from the Department of Social Development stated that the information would aid in determining how to meet the needs of people in New Brunswick effectively.
The rise in disability rates in New Brunswick and the associated challenges signify a pressing need for proactive measures and focused attention to address the needs of individuals with disabilities. With the aging population and increasing rates of mental health-related disabilities, it is crucial for policymakers to prioritize inclusive policies and support systems that cater to the diverse needs of this population.
