It is with great excitement that I take on my new role as Minister of Sport and Physical Activity. I also look back with immense pride at what was accomplished in my time as Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion.

I had the Employment and Workforce Development file for almost four years - including during the biggest public health and economic crisis of our time. We supported millions of Canadians through the pandemic, helping them keep food on the table, a roof over their heads and the skills ready to support our economic recovery. Helping steer the country through these difficult times was one of the most challenging and rewarding things I have ever done.

It has also been the honour of a lifetime to be Canada's first-ever Minister responsible for disability inclusion, particularly as a person with a disability. For far too long, governments overlooked the disability community. I can confidently say that this is no longer the case. From the Accessible Canada Act to the Disability Inclusion Action Plan to the Canada Disability Benefit Act and so much more, we have permanently changed the legal and policy landscape for disability inclusion in Canada. I will miss something I have fought so hard for and held so close to my heart, but disability inclusion is bigger than any one person or Minister, it is a whole-of-government effort. It has to be.

Congratulations to Randy Boissonnault and Kamal Khera. I have every confidence you will continue to support our workforce and fight for, and with, the disability community.

As I look to what's ahead, I see an immense opportunity in sport and physical activity.

I have an unwavering belief in the positive power of sport. But I am also worried that the trust in our sport system has been eroded. I very strongly believe that our sport system needs to be grounded in human rights. Canadians deserve a sport system that reflects and celebrates our Canadian values of equality, fairness, and inclusion: a sport system that is safe and responsible. I am honoured the Prime Minister has asked me to take on this important task.

Carla Qualtrough