Thank you for this opportunity.
March of Dimes Canada was established in 1951 and is one of Canada’s largest service providers and advocates for people with disabilities. Last year we delivered more than 2.25 million hours of service to over 60,000 Canadians with disabilities. March of Dimes has been providing employment services for over 50 years, predating the introduction of the Vocational Rehabilitation for Disabled Persons Act.
Over the past century, we have seen many improvements in the lives of people with disabilities as a result of legislation and programs that have enshrined rights, improved access to facilities and services, and promoted inclusion in education, employment and community life. Despite this, employment rates for people with disabilities remain unacceptably high, and incomes are unfortunately low. Last year, 77% of people served by March of Dimes had incomes below $20,000 per year, and 30% were below $10,000 per year. We are therefore encouraged that the federal government has recommitted to making employment for people with disabilities a priority in its current agenda.
I'll now turn it over to Judy to speak to the issues.