No. H103/11
For release - November 3, 2011
OTTAWA — The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport), yesterday delivered a speech at End Exclusion 2011, an event hosted by the Council of Canadians with Disabilities, Canada Without Poverty and the Canadian Association for Community Living. The event focused on issues around poverty and disability, including the many challenges of mobility and accessible transportation.
“It is vital to highlight the issue of transportation for people with reduced mobility so there is a greater awareness of how it affects many Canadians,” said Minister Fletcher. “Our government is committed to removing barriers and making travel easier for those with disabilities in Canada.”
In his speech, the Minister confirmed that Transport Canada considers the needs of all Canadians when making decisions about transportation. The Minister also underlined that the Government of Canada will continue to take significant steps to help people with disabilities overcome all barriers to mobility in modes of transportation that are under federal jurisdiction — air, rail, interprovincial bus and marine.
“Working in partnership with industry and people with disabilities is the best way to find workable solutions to meet the needs of both travellers and transportation service providers,” added Minister Fletcher.
The Council of Canadians with Disabilities and the Canadian Association for Community Living are national non-profit organizations working to advance the inclusion and human rights of people with disabilities and their families. Canada Without Poverty is a non-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of poverty in Canada.
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Contacts:
Brayden Akers
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Steven Fletcher Minister of State (Transport), Ottawa
613-949-8624
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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