bfcanada Originally posted at the Durham Region website.
DurhamRegion.com asked Durham Region candidates in the Oct. 19 federal election to supply their party’s policy in 20 areas of interest. Weekdays from Sept. 7 to Oct. 2 we will explore federal party policies.
What help can our political parties give persons with disabilities to live comfortable and inclusionary lives in Canada?
We need a comprehensive strategy for persons with disabilities: support for affordable housing, transportation and increased income security. New Democrats are dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities in Canada. We’ll remove existing barriers and ensure that further barriers to being equal, contributing citizens are not built up in their place. We are committed to fully implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and calling on the UN Special Rapporteur on Disability to officially visit Canada to assess the progress made and provide advice on additional actions to be taken.
— Stephanie Brown, NDP candidate Ajax riding
The Green Party would convert Disability Tax Credit (DTC) to a refundable credit to create a national Basic Income program, redesigning the Canada Pension Plan/Disability Benefit (CPP/D) test to incorporate the DTC definition of disability and permit employment rather than the CPP/D definition as well as a national standard including social housing programs that will adapt to people’s individual needs.
— Anthony Navarro, Green Party candidate Pickering-Uxbridge riding
The Liberal Party is committed to and has a strong record of supporting Canadians with disabilities. Canadians with disabilities face significantly higher rates of poverty; unemployment; and, unequal access to goods and services, including government services. The federal government must work with the provinces and territories, as well as Canadians with disabilities and their advocates, to build a truly equal society without barriers.
— Corinna Traill, Liberal candidate Durham riding
We believe that introducing specific initiatives that help create employment opportunities for Canadians with disabilities is one of the key ways to ensuring they can live comfortable and inclusive lives. We are enhancing skills training opportunities for Canadians with disabilities through a new generation of Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities. And we are helping connect persons with developmental disabilities with jobs through the Ready, Willing and Able initiative of the Canadian Association for Community Living. Our government will continue to provide opportunities for Canadians with disabilities, through these programs and many more.
— Pat Perkins, Conservative candidate Whitby riding