Disabled groups fight immigration law they say is ‘demeaning’
TORONTO — A national advocacy group is pushing for the government to repeal immigration criteria that it calls discriminatory toward people with disabilities.
The Council of Canadians with Disabilities is calling for the repeal of a provision that bars immigrants with disabilities from settling in Canada on grounds that they could place too much demand on the country’s medical system. The group contends the practice is discriminatory and based on outdated, stereotypical ideas around disability.
The council wants the government to drop the requirement from the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and to make sure disabled people are included in crafting a new, more inclusive procedure.
The council will be among several groups speaking this week before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration.