Mr. Speaker, today is International Day of Disabled Persons. Since the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons ended in 1992, we have become a more enlightened society.
We have removed barriers in many of our buildings to make them more accessible and functional for people with disabilities. We have heightened public awareness and acceptance that access is a right and everyone's responsibility.
This government provided $168 million to the vocational rehabilitation of disabled persons program. As well, the Government of Canada is contributing an additional $100 million for Canadians with disabilities. This includes the new $30 million opportunities fund that will help people with disabilities to find jobs.
The litmus test of Canadians' commitment to equality and equity is meaningful social and economic participation.