Canadians invited to provide views on policies and programs for persons with disabilities

OTTAWA — Minister of Social Development, Ken Dryden, today launched online consultations on the topic of persons with disabilities. The consultations, which are on the department’s website, will give Canadians an opportunity to share their stories and provide feedback into Social Development Canada’s effort to advance the full social participation and well-being of persons with disabilities.

"We want to hear from as many people as possible about disability issues that are important to them," said Minister Dryden. "These consultations are designed to get the input of all Canadians and will add to our ongoing dialogues with stakeholders and others from the disability community."

The Government of Canada recognizes that Canadians with disabilities continue to face barriers and experience exclusion in learning, work and community life. The Government is committed to strengthening the country’s social foundations and ensuring the full social inclusion of all Canadians — including the 3.6 million Canadians with disabilities.

SDC launched its first online consultations in May inviting Canadians to share their stories and work through questions on "family/unpaid caregiving". Using a similar format, this new site now seeks input into future policy and program work related to persons with disabilities. Consultations on the social well-being of seniors, children, families and communities are expected to be added to the site between now and the fall.

Social Development’s Online Consultations website is at www.sdc.gc.ca.

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For information, please contact:

Sarah Bain
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Social Development
(613) 941-0766

Media Relations
Social Development Canada
(613) 941-1110