Minister Qualtrough marks anniversary of Canada's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Français
IQALUIT, March 11, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities and Member of Parliament for Delta, today marked the anniversary of Canada's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Iqaluit, Nunavut, while meeting with representatives of the Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuqtit Society.
Minister Qualtrough underscored the importance of the Convention and Canada's continued efforts to implement the principles contained within the Convention.
Minister Qualtrough also highlighted ongoing work the Government of Canada is undertaking to remove barriers and increase accessibility for Canadians with disabilities through consultations in support of federal accessibility legislation. She reinforced that the Government of Canada is committed to working with provinces, territories, municipalities, stakeholders and Canadians to inform the development of the legislation.
Quote
"I am proud to highlight the anniversary of Canada's ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Convention plays an important role in ensuring persons with disabilities across Canada have equal accessibility and opportunity in their communities and workplaces. I look forward to continuing this important work through the upcoming consultations on federal accessibility legislation."
– The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities and Member of Parliament for Delta
Backgrounder
Canada and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes that the existence of barriers constitutes a central component of disability. In the Convention, disability is described as an evolving concept that "results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others."
Canada participated in the drafting of the Convention along with representative organizations of persons with disabilities. The Convention was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2006.
Ratification by Canada
Canada signed the Convention on the day it opened for signature, March 30, 2007. Following consultations with provincial and territorial governments and civil society, the Canadian government tabled the Convention in the House of Commons on December 3, 2009, and it ratified the Convention on March 11, 2010.
The rights in the Convention cover many areas, including access to justice; participation in political and public life; education; employment; freedom from torture, exploitation and violence; and freedom of movement.
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
Ashley Michnowski, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, 819-934-1122, TTY: 1-866-702-6967; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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