Mr. Speaker, yesterday I met with members of the Canadian Association for Community Living, who work to make our communities inclusive for persons with disabilities. They are concerned that when the Canada health transfer replaces the Canada health and social transfer in 2004, the social side of this crucial funding will be quietly cut back, leaving important social and disability programs even more vulnerable than they already are.
This cannot be allowed to happen.
It is critical that the federal government make clear that the social transfer must remain intact and earmarked for its intended purpose. In fact, the restructuring of the transfer program is an ideal opportunity to build in a disability supports transfer that will guarantee funding and pave the way for social inclusion and equality for all Canadians.