Message from the Minister

The Government of Canada has a longstanding commitment to uphold and protect the rights of people with disabilities and to help them participate fully in society. We are determined to remove obstacles and create opportunities for people with disabilities.

The 2010 Federal Disability Report is the Government of Canada’s eighth annual report on disability issues in Canada. This year’s report explores the connections between accessibility and the elements of life that are key to ensuring that Canadians with disabilities are able to achieve the highest quality of life possible.

The Government reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting people with disabilities on March 11, 2010, when Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Ratification of this convention is the result of extensive collaboration with many representatives of the disability community and with our partners in the provinces and territories. Together, we’ve done a great deal to ensure that Canadians with disabilities will be able to reach their full potential.

Our government continues to help address the needs of people with disabilities by investing annually in programs such as the Registered Disability Savings Plan, the Disability component of the Social Development Partnerships Program, Canada Pension Plan Disability, the Enabling Accessibility Fund, the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, labour market agreements for persons with disabilities, and post-secondary education assistance measures for students with disabilities.

We also support the financial security of people with disabilities through a range of tax measures, including the Disability Tax Credit, the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit and the Working Income Tax Benefit disability supplement.

Through these initiatives and investments, the Government of Canada will continue to work with our partners across the country to ensure that Canadians with disabilities have opportunities to excel in their communities.

The Honourable Diane Finley, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development