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VICTORIA – People with disabilities will be able to keep more of what they earn with an increase to the earnings exemption from $300 to $400, Human Resource Minister Murray Coell announced today.
“The Premier made a commitment in his address to the province in February that the earnings exemption would be increased by $100 effective July 1, doubling the exemption since this government came into power,” said Coell. “I am very pleased to be able to confirm that my ministry is able to make good on the Premier’s commitment a full three months ahead of schedule.”
The increased earnings exemption takes effect April 1, 2003. Earnings exemptions allow persons with disabilities to keep a portion of their, after tax, employment income. In April 2002, the monthly earnings exemption was increased from $200 to $300.
“This government recognizes that many people with disabilities are able to work and want to work, and we will continue to support them in reaching their goals of greater independence,” said Coell. “By offering this higher earnings exemption, we are responding to the specific needs of these individuals and assisting them to participate in the workforce as they are able – whether it’s full-time, part-time or occasionally.”
In the past year, this government has increased spending on employment programs for persons with disabilities by $11 million to $24 million – an increase of more than 50 per cent.
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