Fact:
In 1996 a Parliamentary task force told Canadians that we need a new law – a Canadians with Disabilities Act.
Fact:
The Task Force recommended the following:
Canadian human rights legislation has not addressed a number of issues of systemic discrimination, that is, discrimination that is the unintended effect of a program, policy or law that otherwise appears to treat everyone equally. Because of this limitation, governments have had to introduce legislative measures such as pay equity and employment equity laws. An additional legislative measure is needed to prevent many of the problems being experienced today from continuing over the coming years. It is time for the Government of Canada to introduce a Canadians with Disabilities Act.
A Canadians with Disabilities Act is the complementary measure that can make the rest of the human rights legislation and government structures work for persons with disabilities
Fact:
In 2006, the Conservatives promised the following:
A conservative government will introduce National Disability Legislation to promote reasonable access to medical care, medical equipment, education, employment, transportation and housing for Canadians with disabilities.
Fact:
In 2006, the New Democratic Party promised the following:
The NDP is the only party with draft legislation (The Canadians with Disabilities Act) and has played a leading role in developing this legislation through broad-based consultation. We commit to the introduction of this legislation at the earliest opportunity.
Fact:
In 2006, The Green Party of Canada promised to following:
Introduce a Canadians with Disabilities Act.
Fact:
In the last federal election, three parties in Parliament – Green, NDP and Conservative - promised to work on and introduce national disability legislation. Two parties – Liberal and Bloc Quebecois – did not.
Fact:
Canadians elect the Conservatives to form the government in January 2006. Stephen Harper becomes Prime Minister.
Fact:
In February 2007, Prime Minister Stephen Harper promised the following: The Government of Canada intends to move forward with a Canadians with Disabilities Act.
Fact:
In April of 2007, the Government of Canada’s most senior expert, upon the direction of Prime Minister Harper, promised the following directly to March of Dimes:
The Government of Canada recognizes that many people with disabilities continue to face barriers to full inclusion in Canadian society. As you may know, on February 6, 2007, the Prime Minister announced the Government of Canada's intention to move forward with a Canadians with Disabilities Act. We are currently conducting policy research to develop a proposal for the legislation. Over the coming months, we will be seeking opportunities to engage concerned stakeholders, including Canadians with disabilities. I look forward to working with you as we move forward in developing this important piece of legislation.
Fact:
In January of 2008, the Government of Canada’s Minister responsible for overseeing such legislation promised the following:
My Department is currently gathering information in support of the development of a proposal for new legislation to promote further accessibility for Canadians with disabilities. We will be seeking new opportunities to engage concerned stakeholders in gathering information and pursuing the development of a proposal for a Canadians with Disabilities Act.
Fact:
You have a choice to make on October 14.
Fact:
YOUR VOTE COUNTS!