Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty announced on Monday the appointment of an expert panel to examine ways to help parents save for the long-term financial security of a child with a severe disability.

“An important consideration for parents of a child with a severe disability is how best to ensure the financial security of their child when they are no longer able to provide support,” Flaherty said.

The panel will examine a range of potential savings vehicles, assess their relative advantages and disadvantages, and recommend the most appropriate measures. Panel members will receive a salary of $1 for their work.

James Barton Love will serve as chairman of the group. Love is a partner in the Toronto law firm Love & Whalen and is chairman and CEO of Legacy Private Trust. Also joining the committee are: Laurie Beachell, national co-ordinator for the Council of Canadians with Disabilities and Rémy Girard, the well-known actor who is also a spokesperson for the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Federation of Family and Friends of People Affected by Mental Illness.

Consistent with the six-month timeframe indicated in Budget 2006, the group has been asked to report its recommendations to the Minister by Nov. 9.

Persons wishing to submit their views to the panel can do so before Oct. 15, by writing to the Expert Panel on Disability Savings care of (c.o.) the Tax Policy Branch, Department of Finance, 140 O’Connor Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G5 or by writing to the panel’s e-mail address at disabilitysavings-epargne-handicapes@fin.gc.ca.