Speaking Notes
for
the Honourable Diane Finley,
Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development
to celebrate
Independent Living Canada’s (ILC) 25th anniversary
at
the ILC’s annual celebration for the United Nations
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
across Canada
November 24, 2011
Ottawa, Ontario
Check against delivery
On behalf of the Government of Canada, congratulations to the ILC on 25 years of achievements.
You’ve done some tremendous work— well done!
It’s very fitting that we’re celebrating your anniversary within days of the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3.
This day is an important reminder that all Canadians —and people around the world—should have an opportunity to fully participate in society.
Along with other activities, we plan to recognize the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Parliament, to demonstrate its importance.
All of us, regardless of abilities, have a fundamental thing in common — the need for autonomy.
This drive for independence leads us to grow, make our mark, and contribute to our community.
That’s why independence is at the heart of your organization all you have done for 25 years.
We share your philosophy. Our government wants to help people with disabilities live as independently as possible and reach their full potential.
One aspect of being independent is to have a measure of financial security.
The Government of Canada helps people with disabilities achieve financial security through programs such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan and the Disability component of the Canada Pension Plan.
Our government is also aware that having a job and a paycheque are integral to independence.
According to the latest projections on labour and skills shortages, three out of every four jobs created in the next ten years will require a post-secondary education.
So it only makes sense for our government to make it easier for people with disabilities to get access to post-secondary education through targeted grants and loans.
We also have employment programs for people with disabilities, like the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities and Labour Market Agreements with the provinces and territories for Persons with Disabilities.
For many people with disabilities, independence is synonymous with accessibility.
I am very pleased that we are helping Canadians with disabilities participate more fully in their communities by improving access to facilities, activities and services through the Enabling Accessibility Fund. In fact, we have funded over 600 projects to date.
Improvements can be as simple as putting in a new door handle that someone who uses a wheelchair can reach.
Or it can be as complex as designing a fully accessible recreation centre.
I was recently back home in Haldimand-Norfolk to announce 18 projects in Ontario funded by the Enabling Accessibility Fund. The accessibility improvements made in workplaces and facilities – big or small – make a tremendous difference and I was happy to be able to celebrate those accomplishments last week.
To me, it shows what can be done. And that together, we can inspire organizations in both the public and private sectors to think seriously about accessibility.
I should mention, by the way, that my department’s Office of Disabilities has been a model for workplace accessibility since 2008 when it moved into its new offices.
Like anything, it took a bit of time to make that a reality. But as ILC can certainly attest to – much can be accomplished when you have a goal, work hard and persevere.
Our government has always been committed to removing obstacles and creating opportunities for people with disabilities.
When Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2010, we took that commitment of building an inclusive society to the international level.
This was not only a great achievement – but it has become a foundation for Canada and governments around the world. It means we can concentrate our efforts, align our priorities and work towards similar goals.
And frankly, that global collaboration can only increase our impact.
I really believe that, ultimately, the key to breaking down the physical barriers in our society is to also break down the psychological barriers – the attitudes that only focus on an individual’s disability rather than on his or her achievements – and abilities.
In that way, Independent Living Canada has been a tremendous force for enlightenment and change.
We are proud to partner with organizations like yours in working towards the full inclusion of people with disabilities.
We are also pleased to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and to recognize the important contributions made by all Canadians of all abilities.
We can be proud of what we have accomplished together.
Thank you for inviting me to celebrate with you today.
And congratulations again to the ILC on your 25th anniversary.
I wish you every success in the years to come.
Thank you
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