Firstly, congratulations on your re-election Minister Weiler. In these uncertain times—marked by growing division and exclusion—Canada needs bold, steady, and compassionate leadership. We need leaders who champion unity and stand up for every Canadian, regardless of age, gender, or ability. When I cast my vote, this is the kind of leadership I believed the Liberal Party would deliver.
As you can imagine, I was shocked and disappointed to see the Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities eliminated from the new Cabinet.
The Prime Minister announced this new Cabinet is “purpose-built.”Eliminating this position signals that inclusivity, diversity and the needs of disabled Canadians don’t matter and even worse: this move was intentional.
I understand our economy and sovereignty is under threat, and this should be a priority. Eliminating this position seems to imitate Trump administration DEI policy, when Canadians voted for the opposite of Trump.
We cannot forget about supporting the needs of Canadians. This means investing in the social supports so that every Canadian can thrive, feel valued and have a sense of belonging.
Living with a disability is incredibly expensive. Many supports are not covered by health plans and given Canada’s population dispersion, this also means that disabled Canadians are travelling several hours for appointments on a weekly basis. Specialist appointments, therapeutic treatment, missed work days, gas, ferries, accommodation and food on the road all add up. According to the 2024 Disability Poverty Report Card, 16.8% of people with disabilities live in poverty; poverty rates for people with disabilities are twice as high as for those without disabilities.
So I ask, with 1 in 6 disabled Canadians not having enough income to meet their basic daily needs, is now the time to eliminate this voice at the decision-making table?
Canadians need an advocate in the Cabinet so we can continue to evolve the Accessible Canada Act that aims to make Canada barrier-free by 2040 and improve the Canada Disability Benefit so life can be more affordable for disabled Canadians and their families.
I strongly urge the Liberal Government to: reinstate the Minister for Disability, Inclusion to drive equitable policies; increase funding for the Canada Disability Benefit through the Disability Benefit Act to address poverty among disabled Canadians—a campaign promise; and engage with non-profit organizations and people with disabilities to shape decision-making and policies that affect disabled Canadians; sit down with constituents within your ridings to truly understand the need and how this underserved population will be further disparaged and left behind without representation and a voice in the Cabinet.
