Press Release – Political And Disability Leaders Gather In Antcipation Of Canada’s Ratification Of The United Nations’ International Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities.

Ottawa, 2 December 2009

Representatives from the national disability community gathered this afternoon at Independent Living Canada’s 8th annual United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities event at Ottawa City Hall in anticipation of a signal from the Federal Government on its intention to ratify the groundbreaking International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). While Canada signed the CRPD nearly two years ago, the signing is only symbolic until such time as Canada ratifies the Convention, including the Optional Protocol (a complaints mechanism).

The CRPD sends a message of hope to people with disabilities by framing the rights of persons with disabilities within the broader context of International Human Rights. Ratification of the CRPD, which is eagerly anticipated by Canadians with disabilities and human rights advocates, will require our governments to develop an implementation plan for bringing Canada into compliance with this new international law. Panelists discussed the impact of human rights treaties on Canada, the impact that implementation of the CRPD will have on various governmental organizations and on Canadian NGOs, and the connections between disability issues and other elements of Canadian social policy.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of HRSDC, spoke at the annual event about the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Minister Finley noted that the Government of Canada, which was a signatory on the opening day of the UN Convention in March of 2007, is supportive of the landmark International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and is continuing to consult with the provinces and territories on its ratification.  

The Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Henry Storgaard, was in attendance to announce the one hundred-day countdown to Canada’s first-ever Winter Paralympic Games. IL Canada welcomed Ottawa native Todd Nicholson, gold medal-winning Paralympic sledge-hockey player and official Canadian flag bearer at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games in Torino, to our celebration. We were also pleased to welcome a very special surprise guest – Sumi, one of three Official Vancouver 2010 Mascots.

The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities and community organizations that support them, including Independent Living Canada and its 28 IL Centres across the country, are marking the Day by hosting local celebrations for persons with disabilities, their friends, families and communities.