OTTAWA – Parliament today gave unanimous approval to an NDP motion calling for Canadian ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. NDP Critic for Persons with Disabilities, Judy Wasylycia-Leis (Winnipeg North) introduced the ratification motion in the House of Commons. “This motion sends a message to the world community and to Canadians living with disabilities that the Parliament of Canada fully supports the Convention and expects the government to move as quickly as possible to ratify and implement it,” said Wasylycia-Leis. “All-party support for this NDP initiative demonstrates that Canadians of all political stripes are united in our commitment to the UN Convention,” Wasylycia-Leis said. “More than 20 other nations have already ratified and it’s time Canada reaffirmed our support.” Canada signed the Convention over a year ago, on March 30 2007, but is yet to join other nations in ratifying it. Last month, the Convention received the required number of ratifications to bring the Convention into force. Text of motion: That, in the opinion of the House, the government should ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, signed by Canada on March 30, 2007, following requisite consultations and procedures with provincial and territorial authorities, and that Parliament and the Government of Canada take appropriate measures within their competence to ensure Canada’s full compliance with the convention. For more information, please contact: Chuck Brabazon, office of Judy Wasylycia-Leis, 613-995-1988
CILT
