Mr. Speaker, yesterday, December 3, was the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. People with disabilities are the largest minority group within Canada and worldwide, as well as the only minority group that anyone can become a member of at any time. People in this group face stigma, discrimination and barriers to basic rights and services. They are more likely to experience poverty and face disproportionate impacts from climate disasters, conflicts and an increasing cost of living.
It is important for the voices of people with disabilities to be included in all conversations. More than one in four Canadians have one or more disabilities, with mental health-related disabilities being the most prominent among youth. Our government has been working to support Canadians with disabilities through the development of a Canada disability benefit, the autism national framework and funding for mental health service delivery.
I am grateful to community groups in my riding, such as CMHA York Simcoe, Community Living Central York, the Lighthouse Learning and Development Centre, Kerry's Place and Child Disability Network Canada, which advocate for and work to support people living with disabilities.
I would also like to mention Voices of Joy, a choir for people of all abilities, which gave a wonderful holiday concert.