September 20, 2007
Disability rights are human rights
PSAC's sixth Access conference
Delegates from across the country gathered in Ottawa September 7-9 to attend the PSAC's sixth Access Conference. From the guest speakers and in the well-attended workshops, delegates were provided with insights and strategies to help them advance the disability rights agenda.
The overall theme of the conference “Transforming Our World: Moving Forward” was linked to the presentation of keynote speaker John Rae who spoke to the necessity of defending quality public services for persons with disabilities. Rae, a long-time disability rights activist, is a retired public sector worker and a veteran of the labour movement. The need to defend quality public services was also stressed by National President John Gordon, who spoke at the conference and reminded delgates that “disability rights are human rights and must be included in our struggle to build a better Canada and a better world.”
Panel speakers Jim Derksen and Florence Pardo shared their insights with members on effective lobbying strategies. A noted disability rights activist, Derksen was instrumental in the establishment of provincial and federal human rights legislation. Pardo is an advocate for disability rights associated with the Confederation des organismes de personnes handicapees du Quebec (COPHAN) (Confederation of Organizations of the Handicapped in Quebec).
The 110 delegates to the conference passed a number of key resolutions aimed at marshalling PSAC lobbying efforts to push for needed federal policy and legislative changes identified by PSAC members with disabilities.
Delegates also elected new representatives to the Equal Opportunities Committee. The two new representatives are Keith Gillard from Edmonton, Alberta who is a member of UTE Local 30025 and Joanna Castonguay of Gatineau, Quebec, who is a member of UPCE Local 70180. The alternates elected are: Craig Langston, Burnaby, B.C. (UTE Local 20027); Jean-Louis Deveau, Fredericton, N.B. (AGR Local 60006); Shirley Ryan, Paradise, NFLD. (UNDE Local 90101); and, Billie-Joe Stuart, Camden East, Ontario (USGE Local 00101).
Date Modified : 2010/07/28
