Good afternoon—good morning here—and thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
My name is Gary Birch. I'm executive director of the Neil Squire Society. Our mandate is to use technology, knowledge, and passion to empower Canadians with physical disabilities.
The Neil Squire Society is a Canadian national not-for-profit organization celebrating its 30th anniversary. We are committed to providing education, technology, and career development for people with physical disabilities through complete end-to-end services. Specializing in skill enhancement, enabling technologies, and workplace empowerment, the society has served over 30,000 people since 1984. The organization serves a culturally diverse population that is not limited to any specific disability type. However, traditionally we have worked with individuals who are most marginalized in society, particularly those who have had a very long-term detachment from the labour force.
I personally have 30-plus years of experience, through the Neil Squire Society, championing opportunities for persons with disabilities. I recently also had the privilege of serving as a member of the federal panel on labour market opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Regarding division 19 of part 4, clause 252, my understanding is that there is a backlog of more than a thousand people appealing benefit rulings across Canada, including Canadian pension plan disability benefits. An aging population and increasing disability rates have contributed to the growing backlog of people trying to access federal supports. It has been stressful for people with disabilities waiting to have their files reviewed as the wait times continue to grow.
I understand that Minister Kenney has authorized the appointment of 22 additional employees to the federal Social Security Tribunal. This will help alleviate the stress on government systems and on the lives of people with disabilities across Canada.
Many people with disabilities are living below the poverty line. Many of them need to have timely access to benefits. It's critically important in their lives. The appointment of 22 additional employees to the Social Security Tribunal is a key step towards helping to address the backlog of appeals and helping to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Regarding division 24 of part 4, my understanding is that these clauses relate to administrative matters involving the foreign workers program. Although this is beyond my area of expertise, I would like to note that the use of this program should be judicious in its application to ensure that Canadians, in particular I'm thinking of Canadians with disabilities, are being provided with proactive supports to help them fill these potential job opportunities.
The current Government of Canada has been very proactive in its support of persons with disabilities to get them back into the workforce and to improve their employability through various mechanisms, including the enhancement of the opportunities fund.
Thank you very much.