GATINEAU, QC, Dec. 10, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, today issued the following statement:
"Stand up for someone's rights today. As Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, I am echoing the theme of Human Rights Day, which commemorates the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
I believe that inclusion of and accessibility for people with disabilities are essential to the full realization of their human rights. That is why I am so passionate about the efforts of our government to make a more accessible Canada.
On December 1, our government announced that it has begun the process toward Canada's possible accession to the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This is another significant step forward in improving the rights of Canadians with disabilities.
Over the past months, I have also been meeting with Canadians across the country to discuss planned federal accessibility legislation. This new legislation will improve the rights of people with disabilities by promoting equality of opportunity and increasing their inclusion and participation in our society. The consultations will continue until February 2017. I invite all Canadians to visit Canada.ca/Accessible-Canada to be part of this important conversation.
With international partners and right here at home, we are taking action to help increase accessibility and improve human rights. Together, let's make Canada a world leader in protecting the rights of people with disabilities.
Join me in marking Human Rights Day as we break down barriers and make a more accessible Canada for all."
Associated Links
Consultation on Accessibility Legislation
News Release: Canada makes further commitment to support rights of persons with disabilities
Twitter: @AccessibleGC / Facebook: Accessible Canada
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
For media enquiries, please contact: 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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