English

The past year, 2004-05 was filled with challenges, opportunities and some setbacks. The CCD volunteers met each of these with tenacity. CCD's motto is "A VOICE OF OUR OWN", which means we, consumers with disabilities, speak out on issues of concern to grassroots people with disabilities. CCD prioritizes self-representational work, legal interventions and law reform and knowledge development. Each of these different areas represents a unique way to speak out on the issues of persons with disabilities.

An Assessment by the Council of Canadians with Disabilities

Prepared for CCD by Yvonne Peters

Yvonne Peters is a lawyer specializing in equality and disability rights in Winnipeg, Canada

January 26, 2004

Twenty Years of Litigating for Disability Equality Rights: Has it Made a Difference?

An Assessment by the Council of Canadians with Disabilities

CONTENTS

PART I: INTRODUCTION

During the past fiscal year, we have witnessed significant changes at the Federal level. The Rt. Hon. Jean Chretien retired from office and Paul Martin became Prime Minister and formed a new Cabinet with many new faces. Additionally, a new department was also created-Social Development, which has been tasked with addressing disability issues. These changes placed new demands on CCD: the cultivation of new champions of disability rights at the political level.