Are these words true for you?
Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.
- Section 15(1) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Lack of effective public policy and political will has allowed Canadian institutions at all levels to deny Canadians with disabilities equal access to full citizenship as guaranteed in our Charter. Despite what our politicians tell us and the rest of the world, systemic discrimination is an everyday reality in Canada for most of us living with a disability.
The way to right this wrong is through real advocacy, political will and law.
The Paladin Advocacy League ( PAL ) is a recently formed, not-for-profit society which advocates for public policy changes which will provide Canadians with disabilities equal access to the equality provisions of our Charter. Actions speak louder than words.
We intend to put our founding principles into action by advocating for:
1. Public policy changes which will put the equality provisions of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into practical force and effect for all British Columbians with a disability.
2. Portable, consumer-driven, individualized funding for British Columbians with disabilities.
3. Government-funded legal counsel for test cases.
Canadians with disabilities are also Canadian citizens with the responsibility to vote and make clear to our politicians and public servants that it is nothing more than reasonable to expect equal rights in Canada in the 21st century.
We want to meet with you to talk, listen, discuss, plan, laugh and, of course, eat cookies! Coffee will also be served. Everyone is welcome, particularly Canadians with disabilities, their families and supporters. Please meet with the Board of PAL on:
Saturday May 29th, 2010 from 1:30 to 3:30pm
COLLINGWOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE
Multi-purpose room, 1st floor
5288 JOYCE STREET
Vancouver, BC
RSVP
Or call Paul Caune (604-928-1644)
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