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Advocacy

Statement on the Elimination of the Disability Minister Role from Federal Cabinet

May 15, 2025

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AutismBC, BC’s only autistic-led advocacy group, is deeply concerned and profoundly disappointed by the Federal Government’s decision to eliminate the dedicated Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities from the Federal Cabinet. On March 14, 2025, the cabinet was reduced from 36 to 23 ministers, reassigning the Honourable Kamal Khera to Minister of Health and consolidating disability responsibilities under Minister Steven MacKinnon. This decision risks decentering the voices of over 1.1 million British Columbians and millions of Canadians with disabilities, undermining Canada’s commitment to an equitable society. 

Consolidating the disability portfolio sidelines intersectional persons with disabilities, who face systemic barriers compounded by race, gender, Indigenous status, or socioeconomic challenges. This threatens progress on critical supports, such as the Canada Disability Benefit, which remains underfunded and insufficient to meet living costs. 

Without a dedicated Minister, the disabilities community faces reduced influence over policies ensuring equitable access to education, healthcare, employment, and inclusion. We urge the government to: 

  1. Reinstate a dedicated Minister for Disability Inclusion to drive equitable policies. 
  2. Increase funding for the Canada Disability Benefit, aligned with Market Basket Measures, to address poverty among disabled Canadians. 
  3. Engage intersectional disability organizations, including autistic-led groups like AutismBC, to shape inclusive federal policies and care systems. 

The Federal Government must prioritize increased funding and care to foster an equitable society. We call on the Government to reverse this decision and ensure disabled Canadians can thrive. AutismBC is ready to collaborate to amplify our community’s voices. 

Sincerely, 

Suzanne Perreault

Executive Director, AutismBC  
On behalf of the AutismBC Team and Community 

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Suzanne Perreault

Before becoming Executive Director of AutismBC, I worked as a woman’s counsellor focusing on neurodiversity, DEI consultant, TEDx speaker, disabilities advocate, and former School Trustee. I’m also autistic and parent to three autistic young adults, bringing a unique perspective to my work. With over 18 years of community involvement and mentorship, I support neurodivergent families through an anti-oppression lens. I’ve worked with schools and educators on Inclusion and Trauma-Informed Practices, aiming for fair and equitable access to education. My efforts have been recognized with nominations for the Community Impact Award with AutismBC and the Diversity Award from the Fraser Valley Cultural & Diversity Awards.

I am almost as much of an introvert as I am an extrovert. As I mature, I am sure I am more introverted but most people couldn’t “read” that on me.

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