Canada’s unions mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Over half a million Canadians with disabilities are ready and able to work but can’t because of barriers to employment and training.
To mark the 27th anniversary of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), Canada’s unions are expressing support for the My Canada Includes Me campaign, which aims to support employment for Canadians with disabilities.
“The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) supports the call from My Canada Includes Me for an inclusive, employment-first strategy aimed at reducing barriers for persons with disabilities in the labour market,” said CLC Executive Vice-President Larry Rousseau.
Persons with disabilities continue to face high unemployment rates and high levels of poverty. This in turn leads to greater use and demands on social assistance programs like affordable housing, income and health care supports – programs whose funding varies greatly across the country.
“Removing barriers to employment can be empowering to building quality of life. Canada’s unions are ready to help the government lead the way in ensuring accessibilty of good jobs and advancement in the workplace for all Canadians,” added Rousseau. “Workers with disabilities deserve no less.”
Learn more about the history of IDPD here.
