By Len Baker 

Note: This article has been re-published with permission from The Hill Times. 

This week marks the return of Parliament in Ottawa — an auspicious occasion made even more special by the presence of His Majesty King Charles III, who will deliver the government’s priorities to the nation in the May 27 Speech from the Throne.

This week is also National AccessAbility Week in Canada, an annual event recognizing the accomplishments of people with disabilities, and encouraging greater levels of accessibility and disability inclusion across all aspects of life.

The confluence of these events should be a cause for celebration. Sadly, it’s not.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s failure to reappoint a disabilities minister to his first post-election cabinet is an error in judgement that jeopardizes the accomplishments of successive governments and people with disabilities toward achieving a barrier-free society for all.

Canada first appointed a disabilities minister ten years ago, when Carla Qualtrough — a successful human rights lawyer, decorated Paralympian and person with a disability — became minister of sport and persons with disabilities. The resources and focus she brought to this position led Parliament to pass groundbreaking legislation, including the Accessible Canada Act and the Canada Disability Benefit Act.

Carney’s decision to eliminate this position isn’t just a lapse in judgement; it’s a stark reminder of the marginalization people with disabilities are forced to endure. This decision makes it clear that the living experiences of more than eight million people in Canada who identify as having at least one disability no longer matter enough to warrant a Cabinet position.

Throughout his career, Carney has been celebrated for his financial acumen, steering national economies through turbulent times. But governance of a nation extends beyond financial portfolios — it’s about the relationship with its people. As the Government of Canada's own Disability Inclusion Action Plan states, “Persons with disabilities need to be involved in the development and implementation of all government systems, policies, programs, and services.” 

Carney might argue that a dedicated ministry isn’t necessary because disability inclusion is woven into the fabric of multiple ministries, and that accessibility remains a priority for his government. Don’t be fooled by this. People with disabilities in Canada face unique challenges — disproportionate levels of poverty and unemployment, social exclusion, a lack of accessible and affordable housing — that warrant both a full-time minister, and assurances that disability will be considered as part of all government decisions.

To leave vital decisions that affect people with disabilities to the collective discretion of the rest of cabinet is to dilute accountability. Upholding the rights of people with disabilities isn’t a trivial thing and responsibility for this important task shouldn’t be an afterthought.

In the absence of a standalone ministry, responsibility for advancing the interests of people with disabilities should rest with the prime minister himself. Unfortunately, all signs to date suggest he doesn’t know where to begin this important work.

In his only public mandate letter to cabinet, Carney failed to acknowledge people with disabilities. Instead, he used a vague, outdated, and disparaging reference to caring for the “most vulnerable among us.” Canada is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which recognizes people with disabilities as full and equal members of society — not the “most vulnerable among us.” 

Canadians should also be concerned that at a time when diversity and inclusion are under threat around the globe, Carney’s choices place Canada on a regressive trajectory not all that different from our neighbour to the south. We expect our government to be a model of equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We also expect our government to live up to its obligations to people with disabilities.

Our position is simple: Carney must re-establish the Ministry of Disability Inclusion at the earliest possible moment.

Len Baker is president and CEO of March of Dimes Canada, a leading national charity focused on advancing the interests of people with disabilities and achieving a barrier-free society for all.