Statement by the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera, on Canadian Down Syndrome Week

October 23, 2023            Gatineau, Quebec              Employment and Social Development Canada

Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera, today issued the following statement:

This week, we commemorate Canadian Down Syndrome Week, an occasion to highlight the valuable contributions of persons with Down syndrome in our communities, and the importance of our ongoing efforts to dismantle barriers to their full participation.

The Canadian Down Syndrome Society estimates there are 45,000 Canadians with Down syndrome.This year, the focus of Canadian Down Syndrome Week is exploring sibling journeys, as Canadians with Down syndrome are often supported by incredible sibling caregivers and their loved ones.

Learning from these stories and relationships is key to better support Canadians with Down syndrome and their families and honouring our human rights commitments to persons with disabilities so that all Canadians with disabilities can live in dignity.

To that end, we are working in partnership with organizations across the country to build inclusive and accessible services, communities, and workplaces. For instance, the Canadian Down Syndrome Society recently received over $515,000 through the national operating funding stream of the Social Development Partnerships Program – Disability component (SDPP-D).

Investments such as these help organizations across the country to offer a range of initiatives that help improve social inclusion and dismantle the barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from actively participating as valued members of their communities.

During Canadian Down Syndrome Week, I encourage all Canadians to take some time to recognize the positive contributions persons with Down syndrome make in their communities and workplaces, and to join us in creating a truly accessible, inclusive, and diverse Canada. 

Happy Canadian Down Syndrome Week!

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Associated Links
Canadian Down Syndrome Week