Election
2004 Vote for Equality - Home
> Issues > Disability
CCD
Seeking Candidates Commitments on Barrier Removal
Council
of Canadians with Disabilities
June
21, 2004
Systemic barriers
exist in federal systems and programs, continuing discrimination against
persons with disabilities and prohibiting our full and equal participation.
During this Federal election, the Council
of Canadian with Disabilities (CCD) is seeking commitments
from candidates that, if elected, they will support substantive measures
leading to effective barrier removal.
One concrete example
of how barriers are created in this country is VIA Rail's purchase
of inaccessible rail cars from a European manufacturer. The new
Renaissance cars are less accessible than the old cars that VIA has
in service. Bombardier, a Canadian company, builds accessible rail
cars for the American market. There are so many barriers in the
Renaissance cars, that independent and dignified mobility for persons
with disabilities cannot be achieved.
If Canada had
regulations requiring all Federally regulated modes of transportation
to be accessible to persons with disabilities, then people with disabilities
would not have to go to court to fight for their mobility rights.
Other countries, such as the United States, have provisions which
prevent their transportation systems from back sliding on accessibility.
"CCD is sending
a message to all candidates in the Federal Election. We want our public
transportation systems to be accessible, it is a necessity and it
is a right. To do otherwise is to say to Canadians with disabilities,
you are second-class citizens, your independence is of no importance
to us, you should stay home and be thankful for whatever charity your
might receive," stated Marie White, CCD Chairperson.
"Canada is
an ageing society, the need for greater accessibility in the transportation
system is a fact. Strong transportation regulations requiring access
for people with disabilities creates a win-win situation, keeping
Canada's transportation system comparable to other nations' and upholding
the mobility and equality rights of Canadians with disabilities,"
stated Linda Stiles, member of CCD National Council
of Representatives.
-
30 -
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
June
21, 2004
Website
content & design created
by Barbara Anello
unless otherwise noted
