Lives are at Stake
The Canadian government is considering Bill C-7 which, if passed, will threaten the lives, rights, and dignity of people with disabilities. Currently, in Canada, medical assistance in dying (MAiD) can only be provided to people who are near the end of life. If passed, Bill C-7 will no longer restrict MAiD to end of life circumstances and will make disability a justification for ending a life.
Canadian Disability Benefit: What Is It
Never before in Canadian history, has a government had a Disability Inclusion Plan in the Throne Speech with the commitment to a "new Canadian Disability Benefit modelled after the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors". This is our community's chance to make sure this benefit is set up correctly.
Wireless Accessibility for People who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing
The CRTC has a proceeding (CRTC 2020-178) that is investigating the issues of wireless accessibility for all persons with disabilities in Canada, and that includes those who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing (DDBHH). DDBHH Canadians use more data on their wireless phones due to using their smartphones for video with sign language communications, or especially for those who are Deaf-Blind, wayfinding (GPS) to find their way around. Video communications means more data over the wireless connections. As a result, data packages are expensive. This is unfair because those who use sign language with video communications need fair costs for data packages. It is their right to have fair wireless data packages with accessibility with sign language communication.
Two Engagement Opportunities in the Disability Movement
Two very important engagement opportunities to share today… / Deux opportunités d'engagement très importantes à partager aujourd'hui…
Show Me the Money
We thought it would be a good time to check-in, as the latest Throne Speech turned out to be a pretty big deal. The Government introduced its Disability Inclusion Plan, which will have:
Human Rights and People with Disabilities - Droits de l'homme et personnes handicapées
The Canadian Human Rights Commission was recently given a new responsibility to monitor the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities here in Canada. They want to engage with diverse rights holders across Canada to hear about your lived experiences and opinions on this important topic. Your feedback matters. In fact, it will be invaluable to helping Canada better protect the rights of people with disabilities. Fill in the survey before July 31, 2020.
Recommendations for the Government of Canada Relating to COVID and People with Disabilities
The Coalition Leadership Group has worked on recommendations to the Government of Canada (recommendations en français) in regards to COVID, people with disabilities and disability-related organizations.
Stuff is Happening and You Should Know About It
We’ve got a few things to share with y'all.
Tomorrow – January 30th – the Canadian Association of Community Living and the Council of Canadians with Disabilities is hosting End of Life, Equality, and Disability: A national forum on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). The in-person session is sold out, but you can attend by livestream. Sign up at: https://freeman.streamme.ca/cac-ccd2020
Hey there Canadian disability-related organizations / Salut, organisations canadiennes liées aux personnes handicapées
We know that presenting issues shared among people with disabilities can influence the position of each political party. After all, together we represent about 22% of Canada's population. So, a combined effort could go a long way. In order to understand issues central to your communities, we invite you to send us two questions your organization would like to ask each political party.
Join Us in Creating an Accessible Canada
So, the Accessible Canada Act has passed and is in force. The Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization (CASDO) has been set up. Things are moving along. But now what are we all going to do? How do we ensure that people with disabilities continue to have a say in creating an accessible Canada?