Charlottetown Candidates Responded to my Question
I asked a question of four of the five Charlottetown riding candidates. I ask a similar question every election, federal or provincial. This is the first time I've ever gotten a response. The only reason I didn't ask the question of the fifth candidate, Scott McPhee, because I couldn't find a twitter account for him.
The question I posed is this:
As a person with a visible #disability who receives less than $1000 per month from CPPD & is willing to work but is blocked by #ableism, what will you & your party do to help those like me?
Here are the answers as I received them.
Darcie Lantheir, Green Party
Hi Riki,
Thanks for tagging me in.
Greens would use a guaranteed livable income as the base amount of support. This would provide income without the indignity of a annual reviews, clawbacks and audits. $1,000 is cruelly low. So many workplaces are inaccessible. Greens recognize that universal design supports inclusion and builds community. Universal accessibility applies as much in our physical and information environments, as it does in the way that we design our social support programs. Greens would continue and expand the Opportunities Fund for People with Disabilities, to support programs that provide wage subsidies for people with disabilities.
Also, #FreeTuition to enable people to retrain without plunging them into debt. Every single person deserves a life of dignity with their basic human rights: Healthy food, safe housing, clean air and water met.
In addition, those with disabilities need additional supports to support work, life and educational goals and dreams.
All the best Riki,
Darcie
Margaret Andrade, NDP
Hello! As a person with disabilities, I can relate to your question any frustrations you may be feeling. One of the reasons I was attracted to the NDP was their core value that vulnerable people deserve to live with dignity and respect. Sadly this has not been the case under Either Conservative or Liberal governments in the past. For the NDP it is glaringly obvious that without a universal basic income, few people with disabilities can afford a life that covers all their needs and comforts. We are suggesting that a monthly income of about $2,000. Should broaden the level of security needed. We are also committed to including Pharmacare with our Healthcare so that if you need any medications or supports, you’ll be using your health card not a credit card. Housing is a major factor for people with disabilities. It is our Belief that we can realistically create 500,000 affordable housing units within the next 10 years. We are committing to complete 250,000 within the next 5 years. At every opportunity, we will retrofit existing buildings in established communities, co-ops and build new units On land already owned by the government. We will work with provincial and municipal governments to achieve these units. Please know that our entire focus is based in the belief that governments exist to serve the people, not large corporations. That’s why we’re Fighting for you! And you won’t be left behind and ignored any longer. We recognize that the pandemic has highlighted the inequalities endemic in our economy. Our New Economy must include opportunities to help people start their own business or retrain for new jobs. I hope this has given you a good start on understanding how the NDP can improve everyone’s life. You can find more info at http://NDP.ca. Thank you!
Sean Casey, Liberal Party
Over 1 million Canadians with disabilities live in poverty and that needs to change. We will create a direct monthly payment, the Canada Disability Benefit, for low-income Canadians with disabilities ages 18-64. We will also implement an employment strategy for Canadians with disabilities. This strategy will be focused on supports for workers and employers and creating inclusive and welcoming workplaces.
Doug Currie, Conservative Party
Hi! Thank you for posing this question. One in five Canadians live with a disability. The @CPC_HQ have a plan to break down the barriers faced by Canadians living with disabilities. We will double the Disability Supplement in the Canada Workers Benefit from $713 to $1,500.