Press Release
December 3, 2008

Political and disability leaders gather to end institutionalization and segregation of people with disabilities in Canada

Around 10 percent of the world’s population, 650 million are people living with disabilities. There are approximately 4.5 million Canadians with disabilities and unfortunately many continue to live in extreme poverty, are unemployed or underemployed and lack adequate disability supports that would enable their ability to work, volunteer and live life to its fullest, like all other Canadian citizens.  Rates of violence and abuse against people with disabilities, in particular women with disabilities, are among the highest for any group in Canadian society. We know that for Aboriginal Canadians with disabilities these rates are even higher.
According to the International Labour Organization, the annual loss of global Gross Domestic Product due to the exclusion of persons with disabilities from the labour market is between US$1.37 trillion and US$1.94 trillion.

At this year’s United Nation’s International Day for People with Disabilities event hosted by Independent Living Canada  (an organization run by and for people with disabilities), political and disability leaders gathered at the War Museum in Ottawa to speak about ending the continued segregation and institutionalization of people with disabilities.  The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

At the event, People First of Canada presented their powerful new documentary “The Freedom Tour” which is about a journey by people who once lived in institutions who are trying to help end the practice of institutionalization by exposing some of the shocking conditions of the past and present.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett (Liberal MP), Jack Layton, leader of the NDP and Yves Lessard of the Bloc Québécois, and HRSDC critic, and Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party all spoke at the event to demonstrate all party support for advancing disability rights in Canada.

Rick Goodfellow, National Chairperson of Independent Living Canada reminded all political parties that it is time to move beyond speaking about ending segregation by putting words into action by ratifying the new United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, providing strong leadership on disability issues and investing in federal programs that enable people with disabilities to work, volunteer, and participate fully in Canadian society.  “The entire country, including the economy, will benefit when people with disabilities are fully included. We all need to be reminded that segregation is incredibly costly and an inclusive and accessible country is a better Canada for all!”