Statement by NDP Leader Nycole Turmel on International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3, 2011
Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, New Democrats call on the government of Canada to show leadership and help improve the lives of the estimated 4.4 million Canadians living with disabilities.
Too often, people with disabilities are expected to participate less and accept the barriers that exclude them from all aspects of Canadian life. But that is simply unacceptable and we cannot continue to allow citizens to go without access to the support they need.
Disabled Canadians have come a long way in past years. A 2009 federal report found that employment and education rates among the disabled had increased since 2001. But there is still a long way to go. Canadians with disabilities earn less money than the average Canadian, and one in 10 disabled adults requiring assistive aids and devices report their needs are not being met at all. The federal government needs to do better.
The NDP believes in providing equal opportunity to every single Canadian. One need look no further then Canadian heroes like Terry Fox, Rick Hansen, and even our own New Democrat MP Manon Perrault (Montcalm) to find examples of how high and how far those living with a disability can go. Their successes serve as an inspiration to us all, and a reminder that anyone can accomplish amazing things.
Today, let us celebrate the contribution Canadians with disabilities make to our country, and renew our commitment to work towards a tolerant and barrier-free society.
Too often, people with disabilities are expected to participate less and accept the barriers that exclude them from all aspects of Canadian life. But that is simply unacceptable and we cannot continue to allow citizens to go without access to the support they need.
Disabled Canadians have come a long way in past years. A 2009 federal report found that employment and education rates among the disabled had increased since 2001. But there is still a long way to go. Canadians with disabilities earn less money than the average Canadian, and one in 10 disabled adults requiring assistive aids and devices report their needs are not being met at all. The federal government needs to do better.
The NDP believes in providing equal opportunity to every single Canadian. One need look no further then Canadian heroes like Terry Fox, Rick Hansen, and even our own New Democrat MP Manon Perrault (Montcalm) to find examples of how high and how far those living with a disability can go. Their successes serve as an inspiration to us all, and a reminder that anyone can accomplish amazing things.
Today, let us celebrate the contribution Canadians with disabilities make to our country, and renew our commitment to work towards a tolerant and barrier-free society.
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