OH CANADA, WE HANG OUR HEADS IN SHAME FOR THEE

Canada has long been known for its acts of assistance to nations of the world in their times of need, after wars, natural disasters, economic upheaval, starvation and numerous other situations. I, as a Canadian am extremely proud of this, and always have been. These actions garner Canadians, not only at home, but traveling the world, a return of kindness and respect from all nations and their peoples. I believe that these actions are not simply gestures of good will, but rather, duties, we as human beings have to one another.

What is most unfortunate however is, Canadians within the borders of Canada do not seem to be afforded the same considerations, offered by the Canadian government, to the nations of the world, those specific citizens being, persons with disabilities.

The very organizations established to assist persons with disabilities, somewhere along the way seem to have lost sight of their obligations and mandates, and often times conduct themselves in a manner which is further detrimental to the health of the disabled. The agencies assigned the task of administering assistance to persons with disabilities, appear to have taken on their administrative positions as one of denial first. I understand the need for careful objective analysis, which is in the best interest of the majority (that being the taxpayers, in a democratic society), as these agencies are administering taxpayers money. However, to this disabled individual at least, it would appear that this process has become one of cynicism and power mongering, on many different levels.

I, myself have been disabled for 13 years, and totally disabled for 3 years. The first ten years I was disabled, I was at least, still able to work, albeit in a restricted capacity, but non-the-less, able to support myself. However, 3 years ago I became totally disabled, both physically and psychologically challenged. Wishing not to burden the system and hoping my condition would improve, I did not apply for any benefits under any programs, what-so-ever. This would serve to have been a fatal error.

One (1) year ago, when it became evident that my disabilities were not improving, and having exhausted my savings, limited-out my credit cards, and believing that my disabilities were a result of my initial compensable workplace injury (a belief I continue to harbour), I applied for re-opening of my WCB of BC claim. To date this has netted zero results, each time I submit documents as requested, I am asked for more information, and so on.

At the suggestion of my advocate, I applied for CPP disability benefits (in April of 2004, which I have paid into all of my working life, since 1970). I was informed rather rudely, that I failed to meet the requirements as set forth by the HRDC/CPP, those being prolonged and severe.

Severe being totally disabled, which my doctor stated in his correspondence, but this apparently, still failed to meet the criteria, I still do not understand this finding, nor was I offered a tenable explanation.

Prolonged, according to the adjudicator I spoke with, meant forever. Despite already being disabled for 3 years, I once again failed to meet this criteria. After researching the HRDC/CPP website I found that in actual fact, prolonged, as defined by CPP, meant 12 months. So because I did not apply 3 years earlier, as I did not want to burden the system, and combined with my doctor stating, he should recover, I am now having to plead my case through my advocate.

It seems to me that not all of the circumstances surrounding disabilities are considered as they should be, and that the first order of business is denial, as opposed to assistance. Which is supposed to be, or should be, the entire point of the disability administration in the first place. Perhaps the inclusion of persons with disabilities as employees of these organizations, either as adjudicators, or at the very least consultants, would help to improve the system, as who knows better than a person with disabilities, the difficulties and needs faced by them.

It should also be noted that my psychological difficulties have not improved, they have actually worsened since beginning my ordeal with these various agencies, and as such, I should no longer be disqualified as failing to meet the prolonged or severe criteria (as I believe I easily meet these requirements, thanks, in no small part to the manner in which I have been treated) . In April of 2004, I was forced to discontinue my psychological counselling because I could no longer afford it, as it is not covered under BCs new Fair Pharmacare. I am also only able to afford half of the physician prescribed dose of my medications, because of the lack of income I currently am faced with, as a result of the denials of both agencies.

I am by no means alone in this situation, dealing with what I would classify as callous, uncaring, denial oriented agencies. I have unfortunately, and to my psychological detriment, met with some of the most discourteous, aggressive, ill mannered individuals in positions of authority in administrations supposedly designed to help persons with disabilities, it has ever been my misfortune to encounter.

The current treatment of persons with disabilities in Canada is shameful, whether they are persons injured at work, or persons unfortunate enough to be disabled from other causes. As Canadian citizens, they (we) deserve better treatment. If incarcerated prisoners were treated in the manner in which persons with disabilities are currently treated by various agencies, it would be tantamount to cruel and unusual punishment, and as such, would not be tolerated. So, why then is this accepted, and what appears to be, condoned by the government? Disabled persons are people too, citizens of Canada, and we have to adjust to a great many things already, without having to be verbally and psychologically abused, by agencies that are purported to be there to assist us.

Canada has a Constitution and a Charter of Rights and Freedoms, outlining the guidelines for responsible governments to follow, and yet even when challenged under these doctrines (the governing documents of our society), they appear, not to be adhered to as required. The Charter was designed specifically, to ensure discrimination against many people, inclusive of those with disabilities, does not occur, and were not subjected to this type of indignity, and yet it continues. The time is now, for the judiciary of Canada to step up and start doing their job, in accordance with these documents. We as Canadians are entitled to these actions, and it is their (the judiciaries) responsibility to administer them in accordance with the law, without a citizen having to request it.

The Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms are an obligation for Canadas judiciary, not an option, so on behalf of myself, and the literally tens of thousands of other disabled persons in Canada, I respectfully request that you (the judiciary of Canada), conduct yourself in the manner for which you were created.

Respectfully, G.D. Sedor, Disabled Canadian Citizen