Statement by New Democrat leader Jack Layton on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, New Democrats call on the government of Canada to show leadership and help improve the lives of the estimated 4.4 million Canadians living with disabilities.

Too often, people with disabilities are expected to participate less and accept the barriers that exclude them from aspects of Canadian life. But in our country, it is simply unacceptable that we continue to allow some citizens to go without access to the support they need.

It is time to build a Canada where all people living with disabilities have full access to all that Canada has to offer, where the necessary support of benefit is available, and where we work together to remove barriers and ensure the full inclusion of all Canadians in our communities.

On behalf of New Democrats, I call on all parties in Parliament to commit to building a Canada where all citizens can enjoy equality, self-determination and accessibility.