Lembi Buchanan is a leading advocate for Canadians living with mental illness, taking on the Canada Revenue Agency single handedly – and winning. Her dedication and perseverance lobbying the federal government for more than 20 years has helped to ensure fair tax treatment for her husband Jim and others living with disabling conditions that prevent them from fully participating in activities of daily living. In 2001, Lembi established her “Fighting for Fairness” campaign and spearheaded the Coalition for Disability Tax Credit Reform that led to important amendments in the Income Tax Act.
She was subsequently appointed to several federal advisory committees that brought about major improvements in the administration of tax credits for all Canadians with disabilities. As co-chair of the Disability Tax Fairness Alliance, Lembi continues her advocacy work to ensure that government policies do not discriminate against some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
