Statement by the Honourable Steven Fletcher

March 16, 2010

(Ottawa) - The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia made the following Ministerial statement in the House of Commons on March 15, 2010:

“I am honoured to have this opportunity to acknowledge the 2010 Paralympic games. Canada and the world are coming together through these games to celebrate the hard work of our finest Paralympians. These athletes have overcome many obstacles to get here.

“These are the tenth Paralympic Winter Games. The Paralympics are an opportunity to raise the profiles of these very courageous and talented athletes.

“Our government is continuing to advocate for persons with disabilities in Canada. The Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development has done great work implementing many initiatives to assist these Canadians.

“We are supporting Canadians of all abilities and helping create opportunities by removing barriers to participate in society:

“We created the Registered Disability Savings Plan to help parents and others save for long-term financial security of a child with a disability. As of January 2010 we had over 26,000 RDSPs. In this year’s Budget, more flexibility has been provided to make it easier to save.

“The Enabling Accessibility Fund makes buildings and vehicles more accessible and creates comprehensive abilities centres. We have funded over 300 projects through this initiative in communities across Canada and Budget 2010 increases funding by $45 million over three years.
 
“Our government has provided $75 million for new social housing for Canadians with disabilities.

“We were one of the first countries to sign onto the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This convention was ratified on Thursday, March 11, 2010 just prior to the opening ceremonies of the Paralympic Games. Ratifying this convention before these games has shown the international community Canada’s commitment to persons with disabilities.

“These initiatives are just a few examples of the work our government has done to assist persons with disabilities.

“The Government of Canada, along with all Canadians, admires the strength of our Paralympic athletes who are inspiring and give hope to persons with disabilities.

“Our Paralympians are not just athletes; they are leaders in their communities and the disabled community. They are fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers. 

“Canadians joined together during the Olympics and showed great spirit. I encourage the same support to be shown for our Paralympic athletes throughout the games.

“I had the great pleasure of attending the opening of the Paralympic Games on Friday. They demonstrate how Canadians can come together and how people from all over the world, regardless of their abilities, can reach their full potential as human beings.

“Go, Canada, go!”