BACKGROUND

Federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for Social Services are committed to building a strong, inclusive society and securing a high quality of life for all Canadians with disabilities. In Canada, all citizens should have the opportunity to contribute to our social and economic fabric. This means removing barriers so that persons with disabilities can live with dignity and realize their capacity for independence.

Employment is a key element of full inclusion of persons with disabilities. Many persons with disabilities can and want to work, but still face barriers that prevent them from realizing their full potential.

With a view to improving the employment situation of persons with disabilities, the Government of Canada and provincial/territorial governments have worked collaboratively in determining how best to move forward with a new initiative that builds on the successes of Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities (EAPD).

In Unison: A Canadian Approach to Disability Issues (1998) and In Unison 2000, identified many of the challenges and opportunities for persons with disabilities. In Unison recognized that the achievement of a vision is a responsibility shared by all Canadians:

Persons with disabilities participate as full citizens in all aspects of Canadian society. The full participation of persons with disabilities requires the commitment of all segments of society. The realization of the vision will allow persons with disabilities to maximize their independence and enhance their well-being through access to required supports and the elimination of barriers that prevent their full participation.

A Framework for a Comprehensive Labour Market Strategy, which was approved in 2002 by Ministers, has served to guide negotiations for a new initiative to replace EAPD. The disability community, business and labour, and Aboriginal organizations have been consulted in developing a new strategy, and there is broad support for a new labour market agreement between the Government of Canada and provincial/territorial governments.

This FPT Multilateral Framework for Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities reaffirms the commitment of governments to work towards ensuring that persons with disabilities can participate successfully in the labour market.