"Inclusion Matters" Celebrated on the United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Statement

December 3, 2015 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada

As Canada’s Minister for Sport and Persons with Disabilities, I am pleased to celebrate the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Today, Canada joins countries around the world to mark this occasion, under the theme for 2015 of “Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities.”

Ensuring greater accessibility and opportunities for Canadians with disabilities in their communities and workplaces is a priority for the Government of Canada. We believe that all people deserve the same access and opportunities. I am eager to start a new era of collaboration and cooperation working with all Canadians to develop a more prosperous and inclusive society.

Over the past couple of weeks I’ve engaged with organizations such as the Canadian Association for Community Living, People First of Canada and other strong advocates for persons with disabilities. I am energized and encouraged by their keen insights and the tremendous progress these organizations, along with many others across the country, have made in breaking down barriers for Canadians with disabilities. But we still have work to do.

In the coming weeks and months, I will engage with provinces, territories, municipalities, and stakeholders across the country to discuss the foundations of a Canadians with Disabilities Act. We will work together to get this right.

I invite and encourage Canadians to take time to acknowledge the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister for Sport and Persons with Disabilities