Government of Canada

Human Resources and Social Development Canada

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 3, 2008) - The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities by asking Canadians to join her in celebrating this important day.

The observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, proclaimed by the United Nations in 1992, helps to promote and support the rights and issues of people with disabilities globally. This year's theme is "Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Dignity and justice for all of us". Today also marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"The Government of Canada is providing strong leadership to ensure that all Canadians, including people with disabilities, have the opportunity to fully participate in society,"said Minister Finley." In recognizing both the Government of Canada's achievements and leadership, I am pleased to release the 2008 Federal Disability Report, Advancing the Inclusion of People with Disabilities (2008)."

The 2008 Federal Disability Report demonstrates the federal government's leadership and outlines the government's annual investment and progress made by over 28 departments and agencies towards the full participation of Canadians with disabilities. The report provides information to enable Canadians to chart the Government's progress toward the goal of making Canada accessible to everyone.

Internationally, Canada plays a leadership role through its contribution to the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Canada signed the Convention on March 30, 2007, signaling its commitment to work towards ratification.

In the past year, the Government of Canada introduced several new initiatives and programs to assist Canadians with disabilities.

Families and individuals can save for the long-term financial security of a loved one with a disability through the new Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). Any person under the age of 60 who is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit and is a resident in Canada can establish an RDSP. The Government of Canada will supplement private contributions to RDSPs through matching Grants. Low-income families may also be eligible for income-tested Bonds, even if no contributions are made.

The Enabling Accessibility Fund was also established to improve accessibility for people with disabilities through community-based construction and renovation projects across Canada.

New student financial assistance measures to help students and families manage the cost of post-secondary education, and more effective support for students with permanent disabilities have also been announced by the Government of Canada. In addition to existing grants that support students with permanent disabilities, including a $2000 grant and additional funds for supplemental costs, they may be eligible for the new Canada Student Grants for students from low and middle-income families that provide up-front and predictable funding.

A new Repayment Assistance Plan will make it easier for borrowers, including students with permanent disabilities, to repay their student loans. Additionally,borrowers with severe permanent disabilities who are prevented from working will be eligible to have their loans immediately forgiven. These new measures will be available in the 2009-10 school year.

A link to Advancing the Inclusion of People with Disabilities (2008) is available on the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Web site at: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/disability_issues/reports/index.shtml

For more information on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, please visit the United Nations Web site at: http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=109

This news release is available in alternative formats, upon request.