International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Toronto – December 3, 2024 – Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and UFCW Canada joins with advocacy groups in calling for change and improving the lives of all Canadians with disabilities.

Canada Earns an “F” on addressing disability poverty

Disability Without Poverty and Campaign 2000 released their second annual 2024 Disability Report Card today, assigning Canada a failing grade for its lack of progress in addressing poverty among people with disabilities.

Despite commitments made through the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), the report card finds that the federal government’s current efforts fall drastically short of expectations.

“Today’s report card underscores the failure of the federal government to address disability poverty,” said Rabia Khedr, National Director of Disability Without Poverty. “A $200 Canada Disability Benefit is inadequate. We are calling on the government to triple the benefit in 2025. This will be a better start toward ending disability poverty.”

Key findings include:

• 1 in 6 people with disabilities lived in poverty.
• Poverty rates for people with disabilities remain twice as high as those without disabilities.
• 1 in 3 people with disabilities living alone lived in poverty.
• People with disabilities would need, on average, 30 per cent more income to reach the poverty line.

Visit disabilitywithoutpoverty.ca to read the full report card and principles/recommendations. Visit Better the Benefit to send your message to the federal government.

Historic National Standard on Accessibility released

UFCW Canada is pleased to share the first historic equity-based National Standard of Canada on accessibility, CAN/ASC-1.1:2024 – Employment standard. The development of this standard was led by Accessible Standards Canada’s technical committee, which included UFCW Canada representation over the past three years.

This standard provides organizations with practical guidance to proactively remove barriers in the workplace. It aims to enable people with disabilities to access more job opportunities, contribute fully to the economy, and thrive.

The standard addresses organizational policies, systems, and leadership. It focuses on key aspects of the entire employment lifecycle, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, retention, career development and promotion, performance management, redeployment, compensation, and job exit.

UFCW Canada is proud to have represented labour’s voice in the creation of this standard. We will continuously work to ensure that workplaces are responsive to the needs of workers with disabilities and proactive in strengthening workplace accessibility measures where all workers can thrive.