Quebec Liberal Party aims to create a Secretariat for people with disabilities
Quebec Liberal Party Leader Dominique Anglade is committed to forming a Secretariat for Quebecers with autism or a handicap, with a dedicated minister.
The project aims to represent more than one million Quebecers with disabilities, especially in education, transportation, and employment.
"It's the idea of giving a voice to people who don't have one that are constantly running against the wall with the government," Anglade said on Wednesday at a St-Lambert daycare centre for people with autism on the South Shore.
The Liberals also want to develop an ID card with an official photo as an alternative to a driver's licence for those who do not – or cannot – have one.
A commission of experts would support people on the autism spectrum or with a handicap as they enter adulthood and deal with daily-life challenges.
"Handicapped people don't have a voice, these people are excluded from society, they're still in confinement even though we are no longer in confinement," said Mathieu Gratton, a Liberal candidate for the Laporte riding, at the St-Lambert news conference.
The party promises more respite care for the families of disabled Quebecers to better suit their needs.
Earlier this month, Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) Leader François Legault pledged $100 million to parents of disabled children, creating 500 respite spaces across the province.
But the Liberals argue the needs are greater and more varied than what the CAQ proposes.
"People living with disabilities have tried over and over again to communicate with the government, to be consulted, to be considered," said Anglade. "You don't announce something at the election campaign, saying you'll put in that much money, [to then say] that's how you're going to solve the problem."
She added that Quebec needs a type of leadership where people are listened to and brought to the table when they do not have a voice.
The new secretariat would be similar to those already created for First Nations and English speakers in Quebec.
Anglade was the only major party leader to make a major announcement on Wednesday, as the others prepare for the final election debate on Thursday night.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.