Accessibility is a human right. Everyone should be able to participate in our society, barrier-free.
As trade unionists, we know that our strength depends on the active participation of our members. We must ensure that our union is accessible for all members, while centering the needs of persons with disabilities.
CUPE recognizes that accessibility requires a proactive approach. We are committed to the principle of accessibility, and we work hard to identify, remove and prevent barriers to inclusion. This means making sure the needs of members with disabilities – whether visible or invisible, physical or cognitive, permanent, temporary or episodic – are front and centre.
The pandemic has worsened the challenges that people with disabilities face. The Canadian government is finally ready to create a new federal disability benefit through Bill C-22. This is a critical income support program that the disability community has called for.
CUPE joins the NDP and disability community groups calling on the government to get the law passed without delay and develop a program that provides adequate income to lift people with disabilities out of poverty.
CUPE encourages members to take action by supporting the Income Security Advocacy Clinic’s advocacy tools on Bill C-22.