Mr. Speaker, today marks the sixth anniversary of the United Nations international day of disabled persons. We must do everything in our power to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy the same advantages as other Canadians.
The international community has recognized the efforts of the Government of Canada to break down the physical and attitudinal barriers that keep persons with disabilities from enjoying the advantages of full citizenship. In New York last year the Prime Minister accepted the Franklin Delano Roosevelt international disability award on behalf of all Canadians.
I encourage all hon. members to support persons with disabilities as the government works to include all people as full partners in their countries and communities.
In the gallery are three people who are shadowing members of parliament: Nancy Villeneuve, Kathy Bainville and Tammy Culhan. We welcome them to the House of Commons.