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December 3rd, 2014

Official Opposition statement on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Official Opposition critic on Disability Issues, Mike Sullivan (York South – Weston), made the following statement on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities:

“Today, New Democrats acknowledge the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, as well as the need to create an inclusive society for all.

“As a signatory of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Canada has committed to progressively implement the objectives set out in that convention, by eliminating the barriers of marginalization and discrimination.

“Of course, individuals living with disabilities still face many hurdles, including linguistic, communicative, learning and training barriers, as well as issues relating to safety and security.

“I wrote the Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird this week, urging him to invite the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Disability to come to Canada.

“Several recent decisions by the Conservative government have been very troubling, as they have a direct impact on people living with disabilities. These include the cancelation of home mail delivery and allowing $1.7 billion in funding for affordable housing to sit idle, when the money is desperately needed.

In order to adhere seriously to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, it is essential to identify the barriers to the full participation of handicapped persons in our society and to make a collective effort to overcome these. For this reason, we believe that a visit from the Special Rapporteur would assist Canada in achieving its goals.”