Minister of Social Development Stephanie Cadieux issued the following statement in recognition of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities:

"On behalf of the Province of British Columbia, I am honoured to recognize Dec. 3 as the United Nations International Day for Persons with Disabilities, with the theme 'Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development.'

"In 1981, the United Nations observed the first International Year of Disabled Persons under the theme 'Full Participation and Equality'. Over the past 30 years, greater public awareness and understanding of disability issues has helped to ensure that individuals with disabilities are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

"The use of people-first language acknowledges that people with disabilities are, first and foremost, people. They are mothers, sons, sisters, husbands, friends, and co-workers - all of whom have individual abilities, interests and needs.

"B.C. is proud to join other provinces and countries around the world in creating a system of supports to ensure all individuals with disabilities are given the opportunity to participate fully in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

"There is still much work to be done, but together I am confident we have the skills and the drive to continue to better our communities, our province and our world for all people."

Contact:

Cindy MacDougall
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Social Development
250 920-8534