Transport committee  I have to say that reasonable accommodations become, the majority of the time, unreasonable accommodations. Often, instead of being useful to us, these accommodations even complicate our lives. Also, how can we rely on airlines and their goodwill when they ask manufacturers to install as many seats as possible on the plane in order to have as many people on board as possible?

Transport committee  I'd like to say something quickly. Disabled people's organizations are in a position to help with training and provide adequate training. We should be consulted, first of all. Let's not forget one thing, either. If I go to Cuba, for example, and the wheels on my wheelchair are broken, my vacation is ruined, not just my wheelchair.

Transport committee  The first example I could give you is that we worked with Via Rail, in Quebec, to adapt trains. It worked very well. We even worked with the manufacturers. We talked to each other. We managed to have accessible trains, in addition to very good service. As far as airplanes are concerned, there was an American company that adapted very well to people with disabilities, as I said earlier, but unfortunately it went bankrupt.

Transport committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Barsalou‑Duval. What really worries me, with regard to people in wheelchairs, is that they not only have to control their wheelchair, but also drag the cart on which their luggage is placed. That's another thing. These people need to be looked after by one and the same person from the moment they arrive at the airport until they board the plane.

Transport committee  Thank you very much. Good morning. My name is Paul Lupien and I'm chair of the board of directors of the Confédération des organismes de personnes handicapées du Québec, or COPHAN. COPHAN is a non-profit organization founded in 1985. Its mission is to make Quebec inclusive in order to ensure the full social participation of people with functional limitations and their families.

Human Resources committee  The cost of living is much higher for a person with disabilities, and they don't earn as much income. Even if they receive a disability pension of $800 a month, they need to come up with the rest. The guaranteed income supplement doesn't increase their income that much. Those who are on welfare, on the other hand, see a difference, because they get $1,300 more.

Human Resources committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. My name is Paul Lupien, and I am chair of the Confédération des organismes de personnes handicapées du Québec. With me is our executive director, André Prévost. On behalf of the Confédération and all the organizations we represent, I'd like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak today and present our recommendations on Bill C‑22 to the committee.