Easter Seals Canada Commends the Federal Government for Ratification of the
UN Convention On The Rights Of Person With Disabilities

TORONTO, March 12 /CNW/ - Easter Seals Canada commends the Government of Canada for ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on March 11th at United Nations headquarters in New York City.

"This is the beginning of a new era for Canadians with disabilities," says Max Beck, CEO of Easter Seals Canada. "The Government of Canada's ratification of the UN Convention will promote increased participation of Canadians with disabilities in all facets of Canadian living and will open new doors by promotion of inclusion and accessibility in community activities, programs, events and facilities. The timing just before the opening of the Paralympics is impeccable. The Paralympics will showcase the diverse range of abilities that Canadians can bring to sport and culture."

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an international human rights instrument of the United Nations intended to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Parties to the Convention are required to promote, protect and ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by persons with disabilities, and to ensure that they enjoy full equality under the law.

The UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on December 13, 2006. Canada was among the first countries to sign it when it was opened for signature on March 30, 2007.

There are approximately 4.4 million persons with disabilities in Canada, about 14.3 percent of the population.

Easter Seals has assisted Canadians with disabilities for more than 85 years, providing them with the tools they need to strive for independence, acceptance and achievement. Every year, more than 100,000 Canadians and their families access Easter Seals programs and services, the most recognized being Easter Seals summer camp. For more information, visit www.easterseals.ca.

For further information: Cheryl McNamara, Development & Communications Manager, Easter Seals Canada, Phone: [phone] ext 245, Email: [email protected]