Released on December 3, 2013
Government Renews Pledge to Make Saskatchewan the Best Place in Canada for People with Disabilities
The Government of Saskatchewan is joining jurisdictions around the world in proclaiming December 3 as the 2013 International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This year’s theme, chosen by the United Nations, is Break barriers, open doors: for an inclusive society for all.
“Our government is committed to making Saskatchewan the best place to live in Canada for people with disabilities,” Social Services Minister June Draude said. “Today is an opportunity to remind ourselves of that commitment and to celebrate the many contributions that people with disabilities make every day in communities across our province.”
The process of developing a comprehensive Disability Strategy for Saskatchewan was launched this spring, with a call for nominations to the Citizen Consultation Team. The members of the team were announced in October and they have begun to plan the public consultation process that will take place next spring.
Regina Coronation Park MLA Mark Docherty is the Legislative Secretary for disability issues, and serves as a member of the Citizen Consultation Team while reporting directly to Minister Draude.
“Saskatchewan’s Disability Strategy has the potential to be the gold standard by which other similar initiatives are judged elsewhere,” Docherty said. “That’s certainly the goal we need to aspire to with our work on this initiative.”
Saskatchewan’s Disability Strategy will focus on the goals identified in the Plan for Growth and the 2012 and 2013 Speeches from the Throne, including increasing the accessibility, affordability and availability of:
- Transportation;
- Housing;
- Education;
- Employment;
- Community inclusion; and
- Supporting caregivers.
“As our province grows, we need to ensure that everyone is able to share in the opportunities created by growth,” Draude said. “The members of our disability community deserve nothing less.”
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been observed around the world every year since 1981. The United Nations first proclaimed the day in 1992, and the official name was changed to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2007.
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For more information, contact:
Pete Paczko
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: pete.paczko@gov.sk.ca