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In Unison 2000: Persons with Disabilities in Canada OTTAWA, ONTARIO - March 30, 2001 -The Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, and the Honourable Harry Van Mulligen, Minister of Social Services for the Government of Saskatchewan, on behalf of Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers responsible for Social Services today released In Unison 2000: Persons with Disabilities in Canada. In Unison 2000 was developed over the past year in consultation with disability and Aboriginal communities and other stakeholders. It provides statistical and comparative data as well as individual stories and effective practices that highlight the challenges adults with disabilities face and what governments, individual employers and others are doing to address them. The Report also identifies potential areas for further Federal/Provincial/Territorial collaboration. Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers responsible for Social Services have asked officials to work jointly on examining the labour market needs of persons with disabilities and assessing the feasibility of a new disability tax benefit to assist with the cost of disability supports. Officials will report back on progress on their joint work to Ministers of Social Services later this year. In Unison 2000 is a follow-up to the framework In Unison: A Canadian Approach to Disability Issues that was released by Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers in October 1998. In Unison marked the first time governments came together to express a shared vision on disability issues. "This report shows there are a number of positive outcomes that can be achieved when governments, employers the non-profit sector and communities work together to develop solutions that respond to the needs of persons with disabilities. By building on this collaborative approach we can help ensure all Canadians have an opportunity to fully participate in society," said Minister Stewart. In Unison 2000 provides many examples from across Canada of how governments, community agencies and businesses are enhancing the accessibility and portability of disability supports, addressing the employment needs of persons with disabilities, and facilitating their transition to economic independence "To be successful in helping persons with disabilities achieve full citizenship, Canadians and their governments need to continue to work together," said Minister Van Mulligen. "We are encouraged by these success stories and committed to further progress on disability issues. We have instructed our officials to initiate work in key priority areas." - 30 - In Unison 2000: Persons with Disabilities in Canada is available on the Social Union Web site at socialunion.gc.ca Print copies of the Report are available by writing to: Public Enquiries Centre
Fax: (819) 953-7260 Alternate formats can be obtained through InfoTouch. Call 1 800 788-8282 on a Touch-Tone phone or through teletypewriter (TTY). For more information: Shannon Thrussell
Ghyslain Charron
Bill Carney
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