Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in the House today to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
In March 2007, Canada was one of the first countries to sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In March 2010, we ratified this convention.
We continue to promote the full inclusion and participation of Canadians with disabilities in all aspects of society and community life.
It was our government that created the historic registered disability savings plan. There are currently over 48,000 savings plans that are assisting in the long-term financial security of children with disabilities. This is not to mention the improvements to the Canada disability savings grant and the Canada disability savings bond from which many of my patients have benefited.
In budget 2010, we extended the enabling accessibility fund by $45 million over three years, a program that has already implemented over 600 projects.
In addition, we have invested in helping individuals find jobs through the opportunities fund and the labour market agreements for people with disabilities, helping over 300,000 people a year.
We are creating a stronger Canada by investing in the full participation of all Canadians.