Canada ratifies UN disability treaty

12th March 2010

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has been approved in Canada.

Under the agreement, people with disabilities will be afforded the same privileges and civil liberties as other citizens, the country's foreign affairs minister, Lawrence Cannon, said.

"Ratification of this convention underscores the government of Canada's strong commitment to this goal," he remarked.

National chair of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities Marie Claire agreed, stating that it is a historic occasion for individuals in this demographic.

"It signals the end of an era where people with disabilities were seen as objects of charity," she commented.

The ratification means the nation will now be required to update a number of its laws, including strengthening and organising employment, education and social services.

Canada became the 82nd country to approve the document, after being one of its earliest signatories, with officials claiming the delay was caused by problems authorising the document with its 13 provinces.

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