Introduction
On July 11, 2024, the Government of Canada unveiled a significant initiative aimed at creating a more inclusive and fairer country. The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities, announced the launch of the Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities (the strategy) in Toronto, Ontario. This strategy is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all Canadians, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to succeed in the job market.
Core Goals of the Strategy
The strategy is a cornerstone of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan and is structured around three primary goals:
- Individuals: Helping them find and maintain quality jobs, advance in their careers, or pursue entrepreneurship.
- Employers: Assisting them in diversifying their workforces by fostering inclusive and accessible workplaces.
- Enablers: Expanding the capacity and reach of individuals and organizations that promote disability inclusion and accessibility in employment.
Celebrating Milestones
The launch coincided with the 5th anniversary of the Accessible Canada Act, a landmark achievement in advancing disability rights in the country. To commemorate this milestone, Minister Khera visited the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work, where she announced the strategy’s launch along with $6.5 million in funding through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The funding will be allocated to seven organizations across Canada that provide innovative and culturally relevant support to Indigenous, Black, and racialized Canadians with disabilities, enhancing their access to training and employment opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities aims to close the employment gap between persons with disabilities and those without by 2040. The strategy outlines various actions, such as embedding employment supports for persons with disabilities across federal programs and promoting a whole-of-government approach to make all policies and programs more inclusive. Collaborations with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments will also play a crucial role in better supporting persons with disabilities in the labour market. By developing indicators in collaboration with the disability community and other stakeholders, the government aims to better measure progress and ensure that all Canadians can participate and thrive in the workforce.