Janaury 23 Is Federal Election Day

This election impacts people with disabilities and it is important that our issues are raised. Research shows that just as many Islanders with disabilities vote, as those in the general public [around 80% on PEI]. The votes of people with disabilities are just as important to candidates as the votes of any other group. There are several issues that impact on Islanders with disabilities. Here are some of them:

National Disability Supports Fund

Canadians with disabilities need access to disability related supports if we are to operate on a level playing field. Supports such as accessible transportation, attendant care, interpreter services, technical aids must be in place if we are to have equal access to all aspects of life in our communities.

First Steps:

• Investment in a National Disability-Related Supports Fund.
• This Fund would be a transfer payment to provinces/territories.
• Priorities for investment would be set by provincial/territorial governments in consultation with persons with disabilities and eligibility for supports would be non-income related.
• An annual outcomes report on the Fund would be provided to the Government of Canada.

Labour Market Strategy for Persons with Disabilities

Security is having a job. Parties and candidates need to make commitments to end the massive unemployment of persons with disabilities.

First Steps:

• The Federal Government becomes a model employer of persons with disabilities.
• Rework the Labor Market Agreements to be inclusive of and address the training and employment of people with disabilities.
• Expand the Opportunities Fund by $30 million and EAPD funding agreements with the provinces by $200 million.
• Remove disincentives to employment from income support programs, like Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits.
• Expand the Special Opportunities Grant Program, which pays for accommodation of students with disabilities.

Poverty Reduction

Our long-term objective is the elimination of the poverty experienced by Canadians with disabilities.

First Steps:

• Expand the Disability Tax Credit to ensure greater tax fairness for people with disabilities.
• Expand the Disability Child Benefit to support youth in recognition of the critical transition youth face moving toward adult responsibilities: moving from home to independent living and from school to post-secondary education and training.
• Support a broad review of income support programs and present recommendations for future reforms.

Barrier Removal Process

Barriers in federal programs prevent the participation of persons with disabilities. These barriers violate Canada’s Charter and human rights commitments to persons with disabilities.

First Steps:

• Review federal programs and services to identify and remove barriers encountered by persons with disabilities.
• Each federal government department would develop, implement and make public their plans for barrier removal. For example, new policy, regulations and action is critical to address the transportation needs of Canadians with disabilities. Access to transportation has eroded in recent years.

Persons with Disabilities Living in Institutions

Too many Canadians with disabilities continue to live in institutions instead of their chosen community. Canada must increase efforts to support people with disabilities to live independently in the community.

First Steps:

• Prioritize people with disabilities living in institutions when developing disability-related supports.

Aboriginal Persons with Disabilities

The incidence of disability among Aboriginal persons is significantly higher than among other Canadians. Aboriginal persons with disabilities also face significant jurisdictional barriers when seeking to access services.

First Steps:

• A commitment from all parties and candidates that disability issues will be recognized as a priority in all Federal Government initiatives regarding Aboriginal persons.

Accessible Campaigns/Materials

We challenge all political parties and candidates to conduct barrier-free campaigns. Components of an accessible campaign include, but are not limited to: literature available in alternate media, sign language interpretation at public meetings, public meetings held in accessible meeting rooms, wheelchair accessible campaign headquarters etc.

First Steps:

• Political parties and candidates adopt the principles of universal design for their campaigns.

If you are thinking about who to vote for in this federal election, there are some things for you to consider first. We have a page on some other things to think of before voting this time. Also we have some ideas for you about how to get involved in the election campaign if you want.

Every candidate running in PEI in the January 23, 2006 federal election received a short survey of six questions to answer concerning their stands on disability issues on December 16, 2005 [or as soon after as their candidacy and contact information was known]. Their responses are each being posted on this web site shortly after they are recieved. If no response is given by a candidate, that is indicated as well. To find out what the candidates have to say on major disability issues go to the Candidate Survey Responses page.

To go back to the main federal election information page click here.