March 26, 2025
Mark Carney, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada
Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada
Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the New Democratic Party
Yves-François Blanchet, Leader of the Bloc Québécois
Elizabeth May, Co-Leader of the Green Party of Canada
Re: We Want to Work!
Dear Party Leaders,
I am writing to emphasize the urgent need for all Parties to ensure that Canadians with disabilities have equitable access to labour market opportunities and economic supports as our country navigates ongoing economic uncertainty.
As the job market pivots in response to economic shifts, it is critical to employ as many Canadians as possible. There is an untapped talent pool of Canadians with sight loss who, when given the right opportunities, will rise up and contribute significantly during tough economic times. By investing in accessible employment initiatives and fostering inclusive hiring practices, the federal government can strengthen the workforce and drive economic recovery.
CNIB has issued a policy proposal to each of your Parties outlining critical recommendations to support Canadians with sight loss in securing and maintaining employment. This includes investing in CNIB’s Come to Work program as a service delivery partner so we can scale up our supports to meet the needs of our community during tough economic times. With the right training, adaptive technology, and connections to employers, people who are blind or have low vision can contribute significantly to the workforce and help drive Canada’s economic recovery. We urge all Parties to support these measures to remove barriers and create a more inclusive labour market.
As the country responds to economic pressures and uncertainty, it is essential that the needs of Canadians with disabilities are prioritized. Economic downturns exacerbate existing inequalities, and without targeted interventions, Canadians with disabilities risk being left further behind. Ensuring Canadians with disabilities are incorporated into all employment and economic relief measures will help mitigate these challenges and create a more inclusive and resilient country.
If elected, will your Party commit to working with CNIB to ensure Canadians who are blind or have low vision have the opportunities they want to participate in Canada’s workforce for the years to come?
CNIB will be posting each Party Leader’s response on our website as they are received, to provide this important information to hundreds of thousands of our community members prior to Election Day. We therefore request your response by Thursday, April 17, before advance polls open. Please ensure your response is created in an accessible format (e.g., Microsoft Word or an accessible PDF). For more information, please refer to CNIB’s Clear Print Guidelines.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to your leadership in ensuring that Canadians with disabilities receive this support.
Sincerely,
Angela Bonfanti
President and CEO
CNIB