December 03, 2025
Today, we celebrate the resilience and achievements of people with disabilities in Canada over the past twelve months. We also re-commit ourselves to building a future where accessibility is the norm and affirm our support for fostering disability-inclusive societies and advancing social progress.
Over the past year, we’ve reached historic milestones.
The launch of the Canada Disability Benefit was a transformative step toward reducing poverty and promoting financial security for millions of people with disabilities in Canada. Although not perfect, this achievement is the result of people with disabilities coming together and sharing their experiences. It proves systemic change is possible when we unite in common cause.
We also celebrate the Personal Support Workers Tax Credit and the renewed commitment to supportive housing included in the most recent federal budget. These initiatives are recognition of the rights of people with disabilities to live independently within their communities. We welcome these commitments and pledge to work with our partners to ensure people with disabilities of all ages in Canada have access to the resources they need.
Yet these victories come at a time of growing uncertainty for people with disabilities and other marginalized communities.
Across North America, troubling efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives threaten to erode hard-won gains. These frameworks have been instrumental in advancing accessibility and disability representation across public and private sectors. We cannot allow this progress to be sacrificed for the benefit of a few or in the name of short-term political or economic expediency.
For people with disabilities in Canada, barriers remain deeply entrenched. Access to employment, healthcare, education, and community life continues to lag behind when compared to people without disabilities. Digital platforms, workplaces, and public spaces still fall short of universal design principles, leaving many people excluded from opportunities and daily activities others take for granted.
These aren’t abstract or theoretical challenges. They’re real barriers that affect real people. Accessibility isn’t a privilege — it’s a right. Every barrier removed is a pathway unlocked — pathways to innovation, creativity, and success.
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let’s reaffirm our mutual commitment to the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us.” Canada has the tools, the knowledge, and the moral obligation to lead on this vital issue.
People with disabilities have shown us what’s possible when advocacy meets action. Let’s honour that spirit by working together toward a future where everyone belongs and all people have opportunities to succeed.
