Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Reflecting on this year's United Nations' theme, “fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”, we are reminded that inclusion is not just an aspiration; it is a responsibility.
This year our government launched the Canada disability benefit, a vital new addition to our social safety net that is already helping over 232,000 Canadians. Budget 2025 ensures that the benefit is tax-free, and it also proposes a $150 payment to help cover the cost of applying for the disability tax credit.
Today let us celebrate progress and pledge to continue the work needed to remove barriers: to make employment meaningful, available and accessible, built to welcome people of all abilities; and to make inclusion feel like belonging, not an accommodation but a right. With determination and partnership, nothing about us without us, we can build Canada, and all of our communities, strong.