Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
May 6, 2015

The following statement was read today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development:

Accessible Taxis a Step Forward for Inclusion

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note my involvement in an event last week that was a highlight of my tenure as Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development. I had the pleasure of participating in the unveiling of two accessible taxicabs, made possible through a $50,000 investment from the Accessible Taxi Pilot Project and through a partnership with industry, the City of St. John's, and non-profit organizations.

The provision of accessible taxi services has been a long-time coming for people in our community with disabilities who require a mobility device, such as a wheelchair or scooter, for transportation. There were several individuals at the event who spoke to the profound impact this will have on their lives.

Mr. Speaker, an accessible taxi service gets at the very heart of what inclusion is all about. It means a person who uses a mobility device can call a cab at a moment's notice, just like anyone else. It means they can have spontaneous social outings or family get-togethers, without always having to plan far in advance. It is something that many of us take for granted, Mr. Speaker, and we sometimes forget that there are still barriers that prevent all people in our community from having that choice.

As we monitor and evaluate this accessible taxi pilot program, we are also looking to expand the program, Mr. Speaker, with a particular interest in finding a partner or partners in more rural areas of the province.

In fact, Budget 2015 includes another $50,000 to assist in this effort. This pilot is part of a broader Accessible Vehicle Program, initiated in 2012 with the introduction of Access. Inclusion. Equal. A Provincial Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. Mr. Speaker, this program has helped more than 50 people throughout this province purchase a personal accessible vehicle - or retrofit an existing vehicle - in the past few years. Budget 2015 allocates a further $350,000 for this initiative, so we can expect to see other people, and their families, benefit in the year ahead.

In the coming weeks, I expect to be in a position to announce an action plan that will continue our efforts to make inclusion for all a way of life in Newfoundland and Labrador - just a way of thinking and being. Inclusive communities are stronger communities, and I want to applaud Albert Newell of Newfound Taxi, the City of St. John's, the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities, and all organizations and individuals who work every day to promote and support inclusive practices in our communities.

2015 05 06                              2:25 p.m.