On October 07, 2022, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, released Canada’s first-ever Disability Inclusion Action Plan. The Action Plan consists of current and future actions, including programs, policies and investments, that aim to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in Canada. It is a blueprint for change that will challenge the Government of Canada to be more inclusive of persons with disabilities, and to create a more inclusive country for everyone.

The Action Plan has four initial pillars, which were identified by the disability community as key priorities:

• Pillar 1 - Financial Security: actions to improve the immediate and long-term financial security of persons with disabilities, such as through the creation of a new Canada Disability Benefit.
• Pillar 2 - Employment: actions to address long-standing barriers that persons with disabilities face in the labour market and workplace, including by providing supports to both persons with disabilities and employers.
• Pillar 3 - Accessible and Inclusive Communities: actions to address the physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in their communities and the economy.
• Pillar 4 - A Modern Approach to Disability: actions to address the challenges that persons with disabilities face in accessing federal programs and benefits, as well as ensuring the needs of persons with disabilities are reflected in government policies and programs.

In the spirit of “Nothing Without Us,” the Government is working in close partnership with the disability community on the Action Plan. The lived experiences of persons with disabilities have informed every part of it. The Government will continue to work with the disability community to implement and adapt the Action Plan, to ensure it remains responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities.