The Government of Canada has released its first report on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Canada ratified the convention in March 2010, and the convention came into full force in Canada in April 2010. The report tracks Canada’s implementation of the convention and provides information about federal, provincial and territorial laws related to the rights of persons with disabilities. The report was prepared collaboratively by federal, provincial and territorial governments in consultation with over 700 civil society and Aboriginal organizations, as well as the Canadian Human Rights Commission. The report highlights that despite progress in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, challenges remain, particularly in the areas of language and communication, learning and training, safety and security. Cross-sectoral partnerships are needed to make progress in these areas. At the federal level, work in this area will continue to be led by the Government of Canada’s Office for Disability Issues.
The report includes a 3-page section about Ontario’s advances in the following areas of the convention: accessibility and mobility, access to justice, protection of the person, fundamental freedoms and respect for privacy, social inclusion and independent living, and socio-economic participation.
To read the full report please visit the Government of Canada website at http://publications.gc.ca.