Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the attention of the House that the United Nations has declared Saturday, December 3, 1994, as International Day of Disabled Persons.
In a draft resolution, the United Nations stated that the General Assembly was well aware of the need for more vigorous and broader action. It stated that measures were required at all levels to fulfil the objectives of the decade and world program of action concerning disabled persons.
As a member of the United Nations, Canada honours this international commitment. Our federal strategy is aimed at equalization of opportunity for disabled persons and optimization of their positive contribution to Canadian society.
The government also realizes that more has to be done. Through awareness raising and action oriented measures we aim for increased comprehension and better access for persons with disabilities. As a member of the Standing Committee on Human Rights and the Status of Disabled Persons, I too am convinced of and committed to these initiatives.
A disability or handicap is no deterrent to achievement. In politics alone, William Mr. Hughes, the former Prime Minister of Australia was hearing impaired. Former President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt, was confined to a wheelchair. Trevor Morgan, a former member of Parliament, was blind. Who can forget the epic journeys of Terry Fox and Rick Hansen. The determination of these individuals and countless other disabled persons have shown that the barriers can be overcome.
I encourage all members of this Parliament and Canadians to-