Question Period Note: Bringing forward a Disability Inclusion Action Plan

What is the Government doing to advance the inclusion of persons with disabilities? How is it ensuring that Canadians with disabilities are included in Canada’s post-pandemic recover?

• The inclusion of persons with disabilities benefits everyone. When Canadians with disabilities have equal opportunities to contribute to their communities, to have the same quality of service from their government, to have equal opportunities to work, and to enjoy the same quality of life as everyone else, we build a stronger economy and country.

• That is why the Government committed in 2020 to bringing forward Canada’s first-ever Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), which will include:
o A new Canada disability benefit
o A robust employment strategy for Canadians with disabilities
o A focus on addressing barriers to public spaces
 
o And a better process to determine eligibility for Government disability programs and benefits

• The plan will build on our achievements to date and will be developed in the spirit of Nothing Without Us, through engagement with the disability community

Platform commitments include:
• Creating the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), for low-income Canadians with disabilities ages 18-64
• Undertaking a review of access to federal disability programs for Canadians with mental health challenges
• Building on previous investments through the implementation of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan
• Making funding permanent for equitable access to reading and other published works for Canadians with print disabilities
• Proceeding with the implementation of the Accessible Canada Act
• And the harmonization of accessibility standards across Canada

Building on past Government actions, the DIAP marks a renewed focus on advancing the inclusion of persons with disabilities. Actions include:
• Launching DIAP engagement in June 2021.
o A public survey on the DIAP framework was conducted, with 8,550 responses received.
o Roundtables are being held with persons with disabilities, experts and stakeholder groups.
• Introducing CDB legislation in Parliament (prior to dissolution) and initiating engagement on the benefit with provinces and territories.
• Early investments in the DIAP:
o $11.9 million over three years to support the development of a modernized process for determining eligibility for disability programs that will also support the development of the Canada Disability Benefit;
o $129.2 million over two years, starting in 2021-2022 for the Enabling Accessibility Fund including support to child care centres to improve their accessibility;
o $65 million in 2021-2022 for the Opportunities Fund and other funding for employment supports;
o measures to improve financial security for students with disabilities;
o improvements to the Disability Tax Credit; and
o $11 million over four years, starting in 2020-2021, for the production and distribution of alternate format materials.

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