Statement by Manon Perreault, NDP Critic for Persons with Disabilities

Today, on the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, New Democrats are celebrating the contributions Canadians with disabilities have made to this country.

An estimated 4.4 million Canadians are living with disabilities. Much progress has been made to acknowledge and eliminate the obstacles persons with disabilities face every day of their lives. However, far too frequently, they are expected to silently accept barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

New Democrats know the dire straits many Canadians with disabilities face, including higher levels of financial insecurity, substandard housing, limited employment opportunities, and unequal access to the health services they depend on. We challenge this government to substantively meet its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights with Persons with Disabilities in a timely manner.

The entire NDP caucus is committed to building a fairer and more prosperous Canada where each citizen has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.