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Two-Thirds of RDSP Money Goes Unclaimed: How Ottawa's $70,000 Disability Benefit Actually Works

  Published August 19, 2026 Of the 311,000 active Registered Disability Savings Plans opened since the program launched in 2008, Canadians have contributed $3.3 billion — and Ottawa has matched that with $5.1 billion in grants and $2.1 billion in bonds, according to figures reported by BNN Bloomberg on Wednesday. That sounds like a program working as intended. It isn't. The same report cites the latest Statistics Canada tally showing that two-thirds of the government money set aside for the RDSP goes unclaimed every year, largely because eligible Canadians don't know the plan exists. If you or someone in your family is approved for the Disability Tax Credit, this is one of the highest-value accounts the federal government offers — richer, dollar for dollar, than the RRSP, the TFSA, or the RESP. Here's how the math actually works, and what it takes to claim your share. Who qualifies Anyone approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) — via CRA Form T2201, certified by a medi...

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How to prevent heart disease and stroke

Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. They are both caused by problems with the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart and brain. The most common risk factors for heart disease and stroke are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet.

Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent heart disease and stroke, or to reduce their impact if they occur. Here are some tips to keep your heart and brain healthy:

1. Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly and follow your doctor's advice on how to control them.

2. Quit smoking or avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

3. Manage your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes or prediabetes.

4. Maintain a healthy weight and avoid abdominal obesity.

5. Exercise regularly for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

6.  Eat a balanced diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat, salt, and added sugars, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fish, and lean meats.

7. Limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

8. Manage your stress levels and practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.

9. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience any signs or symptoms of heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, arm or leg weakness, facial drooping, slurred speech, or sudden severe headache.

By following these steps, you can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke and improve your quality of life. Remember that prevention is better than cure!


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