A new Conservative government will introduce the Fairness for Persons with Disabilities Act, allowing 35,000 more Canadians to qualify and apply for the Disability Tax Credit, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer announced on Monday.

This new act will reduce the number of hours spent per week on life-sustaining therapy needed to qualify for the credit from 14 to 10. It will also expand the definition of what counts as life-sustaining therapy to include determining dosages of medical food and activities related to determining dosages of medication, including dietary or exercise regimes. This would allow 35,000 more Canadians with disabilities the potential to access savings of an average of $2,100 a year.

“A new Conservative government will support Canadians with disabilities in ways that leave more money in their pockets to help them manage their health needs,” Scheer said. “We will make sure that Canadians with a disability can care for themselves and parents of children with disabilities can support their children without worrying about their bottom line.”

Under the Conservatives’ policy, a Canadian with type 1 diabetes who currently spends an average of 10 hours per week managing his or her condition would qualify for the Disability Tax Credit.

In 2017, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau changed how Canadians qualify for the Disability Tax Credit and the Registered Disability Savings Plan, stripping important financial support from thousands of Canadians with disabilities.

“Trudeau has made life more expensive for all Canadians, including those with disabilities,” Scheer said. “A new Conservative government will live within its means. We will lower your taxes and put more money in your pocket so you can worry less about your bottom line and focus on living life to your full potential.”

Conservative MP Tom Kmiec introduced the Fairness for Persons with Disabilities Act in 2018 but the bill did not pass before parliament was dissolved.