RWA is helping design Canada's competitive edge. We know that if we give persons living with a disability the opportunity to work at an equal rate within the workforce in Canada, we can grow our economy by up to $38.5 billion.

RWA helps boost national productivity, addresses current and anticipated labour shortages and ultimately increases Canada's competitiveness. It enhances the financial viability, productivity and competitiveness of businesses by providing coordinated, effective, and responsive access to an untapped labour pool.

In phase one, RWA employees demonstrated a 93% retention rate. All positions were real work for real pay. There was not one wage subsidy.

RWA represents a modest investment by the Government of Canada in an innovative and highly successful initiative. It is important to note that during the pilot phase, RWA participants earned $9.6 million in wages, and there was approximately $4.7 million in saved social assistance payments. Only 19% of participants reported any employment experience or earnings prior to phase one of RWA.

The initial investment of this program was nearly recovered in wages earned and social assistance savings, and we would expect that trend to continue in a phase two. The return on investment of this program, including the quality of life outcomes and transformations, are worth the modest investment we are asking for. It just makes sense.

A senior vice-president of Costco Canada stated:

Our partnership with Ready, Willing and Able has brought us some of our most committed employees....

I thought for sure we’d have a good result, but I never imagined it would be this good.... It’s a labour pool that is available, and I don’t know that everyone knows how strong it is or how to get it started. That needs to change.

Why invest in phase two of RWA? The magnitude of change needed cannot be achieved within a single four-year window. The need for a phase two of RWA will build on lessons learned, cement the long-term viability of this model over the next three years, and change that 20% statistic.

Creating an accessible Canada means creating inclusive workplaces that capitalize on the incredible diversity of our country. RWA is positioned to support the Government of Canada's accessibility agenda by moving this momentum to transformation and practice—transformation that ultimately sees individuals with an intellectual disability or autism apply their untapped potential to create a more competitive and productive Canadian workforce.

It's time for the government to find ways to expand workplace participation for persons with disabilities and to broaden the scope of investment beyond the opportunities fund. We are asking for a phase two RWA so that persons with an intellectual disability or autism can reclaim their right to equal and full citizenship.

Not only do they deserve it. They are ready, willing and able.

Thank you.

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