Human Resources Committee on March 19th, 2013

[Emily Taylor-King]

I agree. I'm not aware of any particular incentives that currently exist allowing employers to do that kind of refit. It would be really key to have a communications strategy that shows, as you did, what the benefits are of having people with disability on staff. There really are some key benefits. It's hard to collect some of the data about this, but we think there is less absenteeism, and there are the social benefits within the workplace of having a positive work environment, which then has economic benefits down the road. Those are part of the incentive structure.

We'd like to be able to collect some better information about this so that we can present it to you.

On the transportation piece, we're probably better versed about it here in Ottawa than elsewhere in the country. One of the barriers we face frequently is that in order to have access to Para Transpo, which is the service available here in Ottawa, you have to provide proof of physical disability. Mental disability or intellectual disability is not considered sufficient.

For example, we have a gentleman who needs to go to his workplace every day and is having real difficulty getting there, because he's a selective mute. He often will be left behind by the buses. We've tried to have access to Para Transpo and have been denied because he's fully able-bodied. That's a struggle that we're continuing to have. There is a conversation happening about this, but at the moment, it still remains a barrier.

[The Chair, Conservative, Ed Komarnicki]

Thank you for that response.

We'll conclude with Mr. Cuzner.

[Rodger Cuzner, Liberal, Cape Breton—Canso, NS]

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

I have to ask Jim a question. I have to get some advice from him. Everybody has a boss, and as members of Parliament on the committee, our boss is the chair. Some days when he comes in, he's pretty cranky, but he's pretty good most of the time. Do you have any advice on what you can do to soften up the boss, to be good with the boss? Do you have any advice on that, Jim?

[James Cassidy]

Well, the way I look at it, and I've been around that kind of thing, not where I live, but where I and my friend work, our boss is right at the door, and the first thing we hear.... I said, “Joe, why do you have to say that word?” He said, “That's what I was told to do.” I said, “By whom?”

[Rodger Cuzner, Liberal, Cape Breton—Canso, NS]

Maybe it was the PMO or something like that.

[The Chair, Conservative, Ed Komarnicki]

That's your opinion, but I think we'll let him go for a bit yet.

[Voices]

Oh, oh!

[James Cassidy]

The thing is, you see, the problem with that is, the main office over our workshop tells him what to do.

[Rodger Cuzner, Liberal, Cape Breton—Canso, NS]

Okay.

[James Cassidy]

Not only that, though, what I found out was a gentleman from Toronto had it written up, sent out from Toronto to here.

I said, “Joe, just call him and tell him people are not happy with this.” I'm sorry, there's no reason for that.

[Rodger Cuzner, Liberal, Cape Breton—Canso, NS]

Jim, you walk in the same shoes, partner. You walk in the same shoes.

We are short on time, but I really appreciate your answer. I know the committee members will appreciate that as well.

What I'm hearing through the testimony is that education is critical. In your case, Rose-Marie, a professional guidance counsellor actually offered you advice that would limit your success. Obviously, that professional wasn't well educated.

I look at some of the concerns, Jacqueline, that you brought forward. You look at a bed, a job, and a friend. A lot of times things are complicated because of a police record. People with mental illness or addiction problems can have complicated backgrounds.

Is there a role for the federal government in educating the professionals who offer the advice or apply the laws? Are the people we're dealing with becoming aware of some of the intricacies of the issues you people deal with on a daily basis? Is there a role for the federal government there?

[Jacqueline Rankine]

One of the three success stories in your kit is from Robert. Robert was addicted to hard drugs, hears voices, was homeless for many years, slept rough, ended up in jail, and finally came to us through the justice system. He's now almost fully recovered. He still hears voices, but he manages to cope with his symptoms, and he's working in a meaningful job. It's doable. It can be done.

I think in answer to this gentleman's question earlier, the best promoters of these success stories are the people who have lived the experiences themselves. Normally I would not be sitting here. Normally it is the people with lived experience who speak for our organization. I perhaps misunderstood and thought only one person could come today.

There are groups like the Dream Team, and there are others such as A-Way Express. There are dozens of stories of people who are doing better. They can speak for themselves, and they are compelling.

They go into high schools, to colleges, and they change minds. There was an evaluative study by the Mental Health Commission of Canada called “Opening Minds” that compares various anti-discrimination education strategies across the country. Financial support for that kind of public education could go a long way.

[The Chair, Conservative, Ed Komarnicki]

If anyone else has a comment, go ahead.

[Rosie Arcuri]

The public education thing is a massive one. Most professionals mean well. I don't think many of them are bitter or whatever. They mean well. But whether it's professionals, potential employees, or the general public, I feel there are two things here. One is public education to change the perception of what disability means, what we need, and what can we do. The other thing has to do with employers and who we are as employees. The basic idea is that people with disabilities are just people who maybe have to find different ways to do things but can still do them. Without that idea, employers are not going to want to hire somebody. You need to be okay with who we are before you can consider hiring us, and then you have to figure out the logistics.

[The Chair, Conservative, Ed Komarnicki]

Thank you very much for sharing that with us.

Certainly, a house, a job, and a friend are very important. Until just a few moments ago, Mr. Cuzner was working pretty well with all three of them.

[Voices]

Oh, oh!

[The Chair, Conservative, Ed Komarnicki]

That said, we appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us and your suggestions going forward. We certainly do appreciate that.

With that, we'll adjourn.