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December 3rd, 2018

NDP Statement on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Jagmeet Singh, Leader of Canada’s NDP, issued the following statement:

“Today, more than one billion people in the world live with a form of disability. Persons living with disabilities generally have fewer economic opportunities and higher rates of poverty. They are also at much higher risk of violence due to stigma, discrimination, and ignorance about disability.

New Democrats have always fought to remove the barriers keeping persons with disabilities from living with dignity and independence, because when barriers are removed all Canadians are empowered to participate fully in society and we all benefit.

8 years ago, Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Though the Liberal government has tabled a new Accessibility Act, its exemptions and lack of clear timelines for implementation mean C-81 falls short of meeting Canada’s goal of creating an inclusive and barrier-free country.

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, New Democrats re-commit to pressuring the Liberal government to fulfill Canada’s international commitments to the CRPD. We will continue to push the government to address the shortcomings of C-81, in order to achieve our long-held dream of a Canada fully accessible to all.”