Ottawa, ON — June 8, 2026 – The Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) is calling on the federal government to improve access to the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) by authorizing chiropractors to certify applications for eligible patients.
Millions of Canadians living with chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions rely on chiropractors as a primary source of care. However, under current rules, many patients must seek out an additional healthcare provider to complete DTC certification, creating unnecessary delays and adding strain to an already burdened healthcare system. A 2025 national survey conducted with the Canadian Medical Association found that 5.9 million Canadians lack reliable access to a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or primary care team. This means that, for many, being redirected to another provider simply to complete a form is a real barrier.
“This is about removing barriers for Canadians who are already navigating complex health challenges,” said Dr. Ayla Azad, CEO of the CCA. “Patients are already receiving ongoing, evidence-based care from chiropractors. Allowing these same providers to complete DTC forms is a practical and patient-centered solution.”
Chiropractors are regulated healthcare professionals trained to assess functional limitations, diagnose musculoskeletal conditions, and support patients in managing chronic pain—key elements in determining DTC eligibility. Despite this, they remain excluded from certifying applications, unlike other regulated professionals with overlapping scopes of practice. The CCA emphasizes that enabling chiropractors to certify DTC applications within their scope would improve access while maintaining the integrity of the program.
The federal government’s Spring Economic Update, tabled in April 2026, already expanded the list of practitioners who can certify the DTC. It added podiatrists and broadened the impairments that physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists may certify. The CCA welcomes that progress, and extending the same recognition to chiropractors is the logical, cost-neutral next step. It builds directly on a reform the government has already made.
The proposed change would:
- Improve timely access to benefits for eligible Canadians.
- Reduce administrative burden on family physicians and the broader healthcare system.
- Streamline the application process without increasing costs.
“This is about fairness, access, and good policy. When qualified, regulated professionals are excluded for reasons that no longer reflect modern care, it is patients who face the consequences,” said Dr. Jaipaul Parmar, Board Chair of the CCA.
The Canadian Chiropractic Association is working collaboratively with partners, including the Canadian Medical Association and Disability Without Poverty, to advance practical solutions that improve access for Canadians while reducing administrative strain on the healthcare system.
“This is a practical change that would address an inconsistency in how regulated healthcare professionals are recognized, while helping Canadians access needed support in a timelier way,” stated Dr. Azad.
The CCA is urging Members of Parliament and federal officials need to act and modernize DTC certification policies to better serve Canadians.
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About the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA)
The Canadian Chiropractic Association represents over 9,000 Doctors of Chiropractic across Canada who treat and manage musculoskeletal conditions that impact the health of millions of Canadians. Every year, at least 4.7 million Canadians rely on chiropractors to help them manage the serious burden of musculoskeletal pain and disease. As one of Canada’s largest primary contact healthcare professions, chiropractors provide evidence-based, non-invasive, drug-free manual therapies.
Simone Lai, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, CCA
416-585-7902 X 247