Your Invitation From The Federal Government

Alas, no hearings to be held in Nova Scotia but you just never know who may be reading so ... pass it on.

March 19, 2008

Re: Invitation to consult on proposed draft Canada Disability Savings Regulations

As part of our ongoing efforts to engage financial institutions and the disability community in an active dialogue, the Office for Disability Issues is inviting you to participate in a half-day consultation session on proposed draft CanadaDisability Savings Regulations.

Budget 2007 acted on the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Financial Security for Children with Severe Disabilities by announcing the introduction of a new Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), a tax-assisted vehicle for long term savings that can receive contributions from the Government of Canada in addition to contributions by individuals and organizations. Government contributions will consist of a Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG) and a Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB).

Once adopted, the Canada Disability Savings Regulations will complete the legal framework established by the Income Tax Act and the Canada Disability Savings Act and outline the Terms and Conditions that must be included in agreements with Issuers that will offer RDSP and the information that those RDSP Issuers must collect on behalf of the Government of Canada.

The consultation meeting will provide a forum to discuss the proposed draft Regulations (attached for your review), and answer questions on the proposed draft RT405.ithmbT405.ithmbegulations.

Half-day consultations will be
held in:

Vancouver, BC on March 31 (by video conference)
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Hyatt Regency, Georgia A room
655 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC

Toronto, ON on April 1
First session: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Second session: 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Accor Hotels-Novotel Toronto Centre, Alsace room
45 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON

Montréal, QC on April 2
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Hyatt Regency Montreal, Picardie room
1255 Jeanne-Mance,
Montreal, QC

Ottawa, ON on April 3
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Place Vanier, room 12B023
355 North River Road, Ottawa, ON

Please confirm your attendance or that of your designate by sending an e-mail to the Canada Disability Savings Program electronic mailbox at cdsp-pcei@hrsdc-rhdsc.gc.ca by March 25, 2008. Please ensure that we have complete information of the person attending, including name, title and contact information, and any accessibility requirements, as well as the session date and time.

Should you have any questions or comments, or if you would prefer to provide your feedback in writing, please do not hesitate to contact Susannah Hill at 613-941-2610 or cdsp-pcei@hrsdc-rhdsc.gc.ca. Please provide written comments by April 11, 2008.

We look forward to a productive meeting. Your views are important and we hope, through these consultations, to further strengthen this new initiative as an effective vehicle in improving the financial security of people with severe and prolonged disabilities.


Caroline Weber
Director General
Office for
Disability Issues