Federal Task Force on Disability Issues appointed by the Canadian government

June, 1996. The Canadian government established a Federal Task Force on Disability Issues, chaired by Andy Scott. The task force confirmed the important role that the federal government could play regarding disability issues.

The task force was initially requested by the ministers of Human Resources Development, Finance, Revenue and Justice. The task force identified a greater need for the Government of Canada to ensure full inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in society. It called on the government to integrate disability issues into all mainstream policies and programs. In addition, it recommended that the federal government provide appropriate income programs for persons with disabilities, establish disability related support and services to cover the additional cost of disability, encourage employment of persons with disability, establish a new tax credit to replace the Disability Tax Credit and Medical Expense Tax Credit, among other recommendations.

The task force also notably called for the creation of a Canadians with Disabilities Act, which would elaborate on the role and accountability of the Canadian federal government towards disability issues. The Canadian Human Rights Act was also identified as needing amendments to include people with disabilities. In addition, the task force recommended the creation of a minister dedicated to disability issues, and an annual report.

-Erna Kurbegovic and Colette Leung

Federal Task Force on Disability Issues appointed by the Canadian government

June, 1996. The Canadian government established a Federal Task Force on Disability Issues, chaired by Andy Scott. The task force confirmed the important role that the federal government could play regarding disability issues.

The task force was initially requested by the ministers of Human Resources Development, Finance, Revenue and Justice. The task force identified a greater need for the Government of Canada to ensure full inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in society. It called on the government to integrate disability issues into all mainstream policies and programs. In addition, it recommended that the federal government provide appropriate income programs for persons with disabilities, establish disability related support and services to cover the additional cost of disability, encourage employment of persons with disability, establish a new tax credit to replace the Disability Tax Credit and Medical Expense Tax Credit, among other recommendations.

The task force also notably called for the creation of a Canadians with Disabilities Act, which would elaborate on the role and accountability of the Canadian federal government towards disability issues. The Canadian Human Rights Act was also identified as needing amendments to include people with disabilities. In addition, the task force recommended the creation of a minister dedicated to disability issues, and an annual report.

-Erna Kurbegovic and Colette Leung