Hon. Chantal Petitclerc: Honourable colleagues, December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

I would first like to highlight the exceptional quality of the last games held in Tokyo. These games are historic, not only for being held during a pandemic and for the athletes’ performances, but also for the unprecedented campaign launched to draw attention to the challenges and injustices faced by persons with disabilities, who represent 15% of the world’s population.

[English]

This campaign, WeThe15, aims to become the biggest human rights movement to end discrimination. Its goal is to transform the lives of the world’s 1.2 billion people with disabilities who represent 15% of the global population.

[Translation]

WeThe15 unites the International Paralympic Committee with many organizations working in the areas of human rights, sports, the arts, communications and business. Its aim is to meet the 2030 UN goals for sustainable development.

[English]

At a time when we are having these global conversations on diversity and inclusion, we cannot leave the 15% who have a disability behind and out of that conversation. Like race, gender and sexual orientation, it’s time to have such a movement — a global movement that is raising awareness for disability, visibility, inclusion and accessibility.

[Translation]

The truth is that WeThe15 have unique realities, challenges and experiences. Canada’s fantastic paralympic team brought home a remarkable 21 medals. However, let’s not forget that the barriers for Canadians living with a disability are real. For example, less than 60% of Canadians living with a disability have a job. What Statistics Canada data tells us is that the more severe the disability, the greater the impact and the more likely it is that these people will live in poverty. Canada can and must do much better.

[English]

This movement, WeThe15, will shine a light on 15% of the world’s population. It’s all about knowledge of the barriers and discrimination that persons with disabilities face every day. How do we break down these barriers so that all persons with disabilities can fulfill their potential? Because really, where are the 15%? Where are they when we turn on the TV, in businesses and on boards, or even here in the Senate and our legislative assemblies?

[Translation]

Much more needs to be done and we, esteemed colleagues, also have a role to play.

Thank you, meegwetch.

[English]