QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
International Aid--Inclusion of People with Disabilities
December 14, 2023
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Gold, my question is about the promises that the Government of Canada has made, but not yet kept, to advance the inclusion of people with disabilities in our international aid programs.
As you know, our country made a commitment in that regard at the 2018 Global Disability Summit and again at the 2022 summit. The Minister of International Development’s 2019 and 2021 mandate letters talk about providing greater assistance to people with disabilities in developing countries. Despite all this goodwill, the information that I’m getting is not very reassuring.
Senator Gold, many Canadian organizations are doing extraordinary work on the ground. When does the government intend to keep its promises and ensure that our public aid is truly inclusive of people with disabilities?
Thank you for your question, colleague, and for your ongoing commitment to this important issue.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the rights of persons with disabilities in its interactions with other countries. It is also taking action and advocating in multilateral forums and through international development assistance programs, such as the United Nations General Assembly, the Human Rights Council and the World Health Organization.
I have also been told that Canada is working to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations to defend the rights of the poorest and most vulnerable, including persons with disabilities.
Senator Gold, I’d be grateful if you could get more information about this and give us more details.
Canada has announced a $195-million investment over five years and $43.3 million annually thereafter to support women’s rights organizations around the world. It has been brought to my attention that none of this new funding has been prioritized or adapted for women with disabilities. Can you reassure me on this point?
Thank you for the question and for bringing it to my attention. I’ll look into the matter—
