29 October 2009
BURNABY, British Columbia
Prime Minister Stephen Harper was joined today by well-known Canadian personality Rick Hansen on a tour of “Still Creek,” home of the Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion. Representatives of Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN) attended the event and presented the Prime Minister with a lifetime membership to the organization.
“While barriers still exist, people like Rick Hansen are a testament to what can be accomplished through courage and determination,” said the Prime Minister. “Through initiatives like the Registered Disability Savings Plan, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities make even greater contributions to our country.”
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) was introduced by the Harper Government to help Canadians with disabilities and their families save for the future. More than 15,000 RDSPs have since been registered, exceeding original projections.
Since RDSPs became available, the Government of Canada has paid almost $50 million in grants and bonds to Canadians with disabilities and their families.
“The men and women who care for a child with a disability make incredible sacrifices and carry tremendous workloads in the name of love. We have a responsibility to help ensure that their kids lead lives as fulfilling as any other Canadian,” said Prime Minister Harper. “That is why we introduced the Registered Disability Savings Plan, which will over time help enhance the quality of life for as many as half a million Canadians with disabilities.”
For more information on the RDSP, including a list of participating financial institutions, please visit the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Web site at www.disabilitysavings.gc.ca or call 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232).
