Election
2004 Vote for Equality - Home
> Issues > Disability
Liberal
Investment in Disability Issues Welcome
But Must Be Re-Profiled
Council
of Canadians with Disabilities
June
2, 2004
Prime Minister
Martin's announcement yesterday of $1 Billion 'over five years for
a program to family caregivers including spouses, children and close
relatives of seniors and people with disabilities' "misses
the mark," said Marie White Chairperson of CCD. "While
we agree caregivers need support, such an investment does nothing
to remove the barriers we, as people with disabilities face, in our
day to day lives: our needs in the areas of transportation, training,
education, employment and income support remain."
Canadians with
disabilities were pleased to see in the last Throne Speech and Budget
the Liberal's commitment to addressing the
needs of Canadians with disabilities and we continue to look for
significant leadership from the Prime Minister on our issues. Those
announcements while smaller in scope than this campaign announcement
moved in the right direction.
"We
need assistance to live independent lives, to participate in our communities,"
said Linda Stiles a member of CCD National Council. "We
need a National Disability Related Supports Program to invest in those
services and programs that enable us to be full and equal citizens."
"Family
and friends are vital to people's well being and we acknowledge their
importance in making our lives richer and fuller, but we want to be
in control of our own destiny, we do not want to be simply 'cared
for'" said Barb Anello of CCD.
"Since
the program details have not been determined, CCD urges the Prime
Minister to work with persons with disabilities and their associations
to ensure that the primary focus of any new initiative puts control
of resources and supports in the hands of individuals with disabilities
and removes barriers to our participation." said Marie
White Chair of CCD. "The days when simply assisting others
to care for us are gone, we want full and equal citizenship. By making
our communities and public institutions accessible we reduce our dependence
on family and caregivers," stated White.
"Canadians
with disabilities recognize the Prime Minister's interest in addressing
disability issues, however, the Prime Minister needs to work with
us to determine the best use of resources. This billion dollar announcement
is the largest investment in years, lets work together to use it wisely,"
said Laurie Beachell National Coordinator of CCD.
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For More Information
Contact:
Marie White, National
Chairperson 709 739-8233
Laurie Beachell, National Coordinator 204 947-0303
Source: Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) www.ccdonline.ca
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