PM and Rick Hansen highlight government action for disabled Canadians

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Good morning. 

Greetings to Jack Styan, Al Etmanski, and all the other members of the Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network who are joining us today.  A warm welcome to the Minister of State for Democratic Reform, Steven Fletcher, who has been a passionate advocate for Canadians with disabilities in our government’s caucus.   

Special greetings also, of course, to the man who was kind enough to introduce me – a man known and respected by Canadians from coast to coast to coast, please welcome Rick Hansen.

I’d also like to thank Richard Faucher and all the staff here at the Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion for hosting us here this morning.  For more than 50 years now, the BACI has helped those with developmental disabilities pursue their interests and follow their dreams.  Our government shares your passionate belief in the intrinsic value of each and every human being. 

Like you, we know those with disabilities also have their unique contribution to make to society.   

And like you, we are working towards a country in which all Canadians can realize their full potential.

Sharing in this journey are the family members of disabled persons who freely offer their encouragement and support.  These men and women often make incredible sacrifices and carry tremendous workloads in the name of love.

It is not enough  for our hearts to go out to the parents of disabled children.  We have a responsibility to do what we can to ensure their loved ones lead lives as fulfilling as any other Canadian.  That’s why, two years ago, our government launched a new savings vehicle to help parents plan for the long-term financial security of children with disabilities. 

The first of its kind in the world, the Registered Disabilities Savings Plan (the RDSP) will, over time, provide billions of dollars to enhance the quality of life for as many as half a million Canadians with disabilities. 

As we heard from Kathy and Rob, the Plan is providing peace of mind and hope for a brighter future.

I’d like to thank the Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network for its persistent and effective advocacy of the RDSP. 

As those of you in this room know so well, Canadians with disabilities are capable of the most extraordinary of feats.

Paralyzed from the waist down at the age of 15, Rick Hansen is just one such example.  From the parking lot of the Oakridge Mall here in Vancouver he began his extraordinary journey twenty-four years ago.  It was a journey that would see him wheel an amazing 40,000 kilometres through 34 countries.  A journey that garnered much-needed attention for disabilities while raising millions for research.  A journey of one "man in motion" that served as a source of inspiration for people across the country and – indeed – around the world.     

Every day, Canadians with disabilities are challenging society’s preconceptions of what is possible.  While barriers still exist, people like Rick are a testament to what can be accomplished through courage and determination. 

Through initiatives like the Registered Disabilities Savings Plan,
our government is helping Canadians with disabilities make even greater contributions to our country.

Thank you.

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