December 2, 2008

Hello everyone!

It is snowing today so I guess I need to get ready for winter.
It was last November that the End Exclusion event was held on November 22nd during the first wicked snow storm of the season. Many of those who attended will remember our walk up to Parliament Hill and gathering in front of the Centennial Flame passionately speaking about the national priorities while covered in snow.  We all felt great because disability groups united and fought the blizzard in order to demonstrate our solidarity.

Unfortunately, a year has passed and nothing has changed politically so its time to get charged and unite again. Hopefully with the federal election over we can ask our federal politicians to move forward and work together to address the priorities of the national disability community and Independent Living Canada. However, with a shaking government right now teetering on the brink of another election or a possible coalition government, who knows what the near future will hold. One thing for sure – the disability community really needs to see political leadership no matter which party or parties are in power.

United Nation’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities

IL Canada is hosting its 7th annual UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities event at the War Museum on Dec. 3rd from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. We are very delighted to announce that the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, the Honourable Diane Finley will be speaking along with other representatives of federal political parties including the Honourable Carolyn Bennett (Liberal MP), Jack Layton (NDP)  and Yves Lessard, the Bloc HRSDC Critic.

This annual observance day aims to educate the public on
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.
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. 

This event is free or charge but remember to register by calling our office.

Social Development Partnership Program (SDPP) –

The SDPP is a funding program within the federal Office for Disability Issues and it officially came to an end last March. This program was extended for one year. This funding program supports and enables disability organizations to consult with people with disabilities, conduct important research, and provide programs and services that enable the full participation of Canadians with disabilities.

In the big picture, the SDPP program receives very little funding considering the enormous task at hand. The funding level has not increased in years.  This small federal investment has an incredible return on investment! The funding for Independent Living Canada and the subsidy to IL Centres generates millions upon millions of dollars in return by enabling and supporting individuals to get jobs, undergo skills development, education and training, volunteer and much more.

The SDPP program deserves recognition and needs a substantial increased investment from the federal government.  This program has been under funded for many years and it is time that we ask the federal government to create (with the disability community) a new program that adequately supports the disability organizations providing supports to individuals with disabilities and that help create an accessible and inclusive country. 

This program has had an incredible impact and I have no doubt that a recent evaluation has revealed and proven its success.  It is time for the federal government to create a new and improved program with a larger investment that will enable growth, jobs and improve the quality of lives of 4.5 million Canadians. What a bargain!  Together we can build a better Canada for all!

We encourage everyone to let the Government of Canada and their local Members of Parliament know how important this program.  The Government of Canada needs to provide leadership and vision to disability issues by creating a new and improved Social Development Partnership Program that reflects the current needs to the disability community in Canada. 

It really isn’t much to ask for, is it??

See fun picture of our Annual General Meeting below.