Government of Canada Disability Agenda

A Canadian Approach to Disability Issues: working with the provinces and territories

Government of Canada Disability Agenda

• Future Directions to Address Disability Issues for the Government of Canada: Working Together for Full Citizenship

Additional Background and Reference

• The Government of Canada's Record on Disability Issues
• Obstacles Report
• Equal Citizenship for Canadians with Disabilities: The Will to Act
• Reflecting Interdependence:  Disability, Parliament, Government and the Community
• Sub-Committee on the Status of People with Disabilities

A Canadian Approach to Disability Issues: working with the provinces and territories

In 1998, federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers responsible for Social Services released In Unison: A Canadian Approach to Disability Issues.  This document describes the vision and long term policy directions aimed at promoting the full citizenship of people with disabilities in all aspects of Canadian society.  Based on the values of equality, inclusion, and independence, it addresses three major areas of concern to people with disabilities: employment, income, and disability supports.

The Canadian Approach to Disability Issues is closely tied to the Social Union Initiative and reflects the objectives and ideals of the Social Union Framework.
 

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Government of Canada Disability Agenda

Building on In Unison, the government of Canada has outlined priorities for action within its own departments and agencies, with provinces and territories and with the disability community and other partners to ensure sustained progress towards full citizenship for people with disabilities. 

The Government of Canada approach to moving forward on this agenda is based on:

• a commitment to work towards the full participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities
• engaging the disability community and all sectors of Canadian society in action on disability issues
• recognition that achieving real progress requires shared responsibility and a commitment to action
• a commitment to work towards clear outcomes, linked to significant priorities.  

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Additional Background and Reference

Obstacles Report (1981) - Report of the Special Parliamentary Committee on the Disabled and the Handicapped.

Reflecting Interdependence:  Disability, Parliament, Government and the Community (1999) - Sixth Report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. 

Sub-Committee on the Status of People with Disabilities - The proceedings of this committee can be viewed on this Web site.  This committee reports to the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.