Karandeep: Ottawa, Ontario, Dec 3, 2024 – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities today with a statement emphasizing the need for a barrier-free world where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.
“Today, we work toward a future free of barriers, where all persons with disabilities are empowered to thrive,” said Prime Minister Trudeau. “A world with fewer barriers is a better world for everyone.”
Highlighting the challenges faced by people with disabilities, the Prime Minister noted that one in four Canadians live with a disability, many of whom face invisible barriers. Canadians with disabilities of working age are nearly twice as likely to live in poverty, a situation Trudeau called “unacceptable.”
In response, the government has introduced key initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people with disabilities, including the Accessible Canada Act (passed in 2019), which sets the goal of creating a barrier-free Canada by 2040. In addition, the Disability Inclusion Action Plan launched in 2022 is focused on providing financial security, employment opportunities, and social participation for people with disabilities.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister announced the upcoming launch of the Canada Disability Benefit in 2025, which will directly support over 600,000 working-age Canadians with disabilities. Additionally, the government is expanding the Canadian Dental Care Plan, aiming to provide affordable dental care to up to 183,000 adults with disabilities. The Disability Supports Deduction is also being expanded to include new items like service animals and assistive devices.
“Disability rights are human rights,” Trudeau added. “Canada is committed to championing the rights of persons with disabilities globally, including our ongoing efforts through the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”
As the country marks this important day, the Prime Minister urged all Canadians to celebrate the achievements of persons with disabilities and work together to make Canada more inclusive and accessible for all.