International Day of Persons with Disabilities
News Release - December 4, 2009This week, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, marked December 3rd as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. "The United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us of the many contributions people with disabilities make to the well-being of our society," said Minister Finley. "Our government is committed to ensuring that all Canadians are able to reach their full potential, which is why we are working to bring about ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as soon as possible.
As the world celebrated International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Minister Peter Mackay on behalf of the government of Canada tabled the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Through this act our government has indicated its intention to move toward formal ratification of the CRPD. In taking this step the Government of Canada confirms their commitment to the rights of persons with disabilities in this country.
“This is truly a momentous occasion for Canada and for Canadian people with intellectual disabilities. The ratification of the CRPD is one more way in which to establish and actualize the rights of persons with disabilities”, said Kevin McTavish, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL). “The Government of Canada had demonstrated great leadership in the development and signing of this convention, and now today in taking this final step toward its ratification.”
“As we draw nearer to Christmas and the New Year, we begin to reflect on the years successes” said Wilda Wallace, President of the SACL. “This year we have seen the ratification of the CRPD by the federal government. As well, the Saskatchewan Government’s Ministry of Social Service has approved many new building projects in communities across this province to support people with intellectual disabilities. We are excited about these projects and are hopeful that they will create new “homes” for these individuals.”
“As we contemplate the past, we also begin to look forward to a new year with hope and optimism for the continued transformation that can occur in our province and across the country. There is still much more that can be done. Increased day programs and community supports will enabled individuals to live, work and participate in community life; an income system, that is respectful, will address the diverse needs of those that need support.”
October 2009 is Community Living Month
News Release –October 13, 2009Donna Harpauer, Minister of Social Services for the Province of Saskatchewan, has officially proclaimed October 2009 to be Community Living Month in the province of Saskatchewan. ‘Community living’ is a simple concept: it means that we live in inclusive communities; we work with our peers and our children go to school with their neighbourhood friends. By accepting the contribution that people with intellectual disabilities can make, we can begin to build stronger communities.As we look to the future, we need to look at Saskatchewan’s proud history of innovation and leadership. We are a strong and pioneering people with a great deal of creativity and we are a province with a strong commitment to social values. We can commit to transforming our disability supports system, to be creative and flexible and to look to new and better ways of supporting and including those with intellectual disabilities. We can be leaders in this area and build stronger communities.Community Living Month will be a great opportunity to appreciate and celebrate inclusion for all citizens of Saskatchewan!
Minister Finley marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities today. Please click on the attached web link for the full news release.
http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?m=/index&nid=499789
SASKATCHEWAN SUPPORTS INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
The Government of Saskatchewan has once again joined with the United Nations and governments around the world to recognize December 3 as the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. Please click on the attached web link for the full news release.
http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=4bd06370-3c30-46a9-a46c-f9095cc96e39
December 4, 2009
This week, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, marked December 3rd as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. "The United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us of the many contributions people with disabilities make to the well-being of our society," said Minister Finley. "Our government is committed to ensuring that all Canadians are able to reach their full potential, which is why we are working to bring about ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as soon as possible.As the world celebrated International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Minister Peter Mackay on behalf of the government of Canada tabled the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Through this act our government has indicated its intention to move toward formal ratification of the CRPD. In taking this step the Government of Canada confirms their commitment to the rights of persons with disabilities in this country.
“This is truly a momentous occasion for Canada and for Canadian people with intellectual disabilities. The ratification of the CRPD is one more way in which to establish and actualize the rights of persons with disabilities”, said Kevin McTavish, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL). “The Government of Canada had demonstrated great leadership in the development and signing of this convention, and now today in taking this final step toward its ratification.”
“As we draw nearer to Christmas and the New Year, we begin to reflect on the years successes” said Wilda Wallace, President of the SACL. “This year we have seen the ratification of the CRPD by the federal government. As well, the Saskatchewan Government’s Ministry of Social Service has approved many new building projects in communities across this province to support people with intellectual disabilities. We are excited about these projects and are hopeful that they will create new “homes” for these individuals.”
“As we contemplate the past, we also begin to look forward to a new year with hope and optimism for the continued transformation that can occur in our province and across the country. There is still much more that can be done. Increased day programs and community supports will enabled individuals to live, work and participate in community life; an income system, that is respectful, will address the diverse needs of those that need support.”
National Report Card Media Release, December 3, 2009
Media Release (French)
Media Release (English)
National Report Card 2009 (French)
National Report Card 2009 (English)
Jordan's Principle
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations have reached a tripartite agreement on an interim process to implement Jordan's Principle. Please click on the following web link to get the full news release and backgrounder.
$76.9 MILLION COMMITMENT TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CONTINUES IN SASKATOON
Government's $76.9 million commitment to eliminate the waitlist for specialized, residential and day-program services for people with intellectual disabilities continued its rollout today with the sod-turning for a new six-space group home in Saskatoon. Please see the attached web link for the full news release.
US to sign the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Today, President Obama will announce that the United States of America will sign the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
As you know, Canada has signed the CRPD but we have not yet ratified.
The Government of Canada’s is currently hosting a public consultation on the convention: (http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/public_consultations/index.shtml).