Mr. Speaker, I have shoulder-length blonde hair, a royal blue blazer and a black blouse. Today, we recognize the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Twenty-seven per cent of Canadians have one or more disabilities that impact their daily lives, causing many to face significant disadvantages. The rising cost of living crisis in Canada has disproportionately affected many persons with disabilities, with one in six people with disabilities living in poverty in 2022, and 72% of persons with disabilities in Canada reported experiencing barriers to accessibility in their daily lives.
Canada must do better to work toward a barrier-free country. Let us recognize the contributions of persons with disabilities in our communities and to Canada, as well as recognize the many advocates and those who support and help care for persons with disabilities, who are the voices of some of the most vulnerable Canadians.