Hansard - Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month

40th PARLIAMENT, 2nd SESSION
EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 053
CONTENTS
Thursday, May 7, 2009

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month

Ms. Judy Wasylycia-Leis (Winnipeg North, NDP): Mr. Speaker, this is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month and it is time to recognize the achievements of persons living with disabilities, especially those with spinal cord injuries and all of their advocates through the Canadian Paraplegic Association now serving over 41,000 Canadians.

The best way to pay tribute to people living with this disability, some of whom are here on the Hill today, is to stop the empty promises and to act. It is time to admit that persons with disabilities are twice as likely to live in poverty. It is time to acknowledge that in an economic recession it is even tougher for persons with disabilities to find financial security.

It is time for the federal government to stop hiding behind the rhetoric and piecemeal tax credits and start investing in what people with disabilities need for self-sufficiency and inclusion. It is time for national leadership, not more rhetoric.

The federal government should start in its own back yard, creating employment opportunities and accessible housing instead of huge tax breaks for corporations. Only action can end Canada's shame.