As indicated in the last update, we have heard from Minister Qualtrough, and today from Minister Dion. Here is his letter, which informs us that ratification of the protocol is being considered: -------------------------------------- Dear Doctor Amenta: The Office of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has forwarded to me your correspondence of January 18, 2016, concerning the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). I regret the delay in replying to you. Prime Minister Trudeau has asked the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, to lead an engagement process with provinces, territories, municipalities and stakeholders to inform the scope and development of a proposed Canadians with disabilities act. Work is underway to prepare for this process and we encourage you to provide input to this important legislation. At this time, the Government of Canada is considering the option of ratifying the Optional Protocol to the CRPD. The Government of Canada is committed to working toward the ongoing compliance of the CRPD in removing obstacles and creating opportunities for persons with disabilities in Canada and internationally. Your dedication to this issue, and that of the signatories to the petition you have organized, is well noted. Thank you for writing. Sincerely, The Honourable Stéphane Dion, P.C., M.P. Minister of Foreign Affairs ---------------------------------------------------- This is wonderful news, so let's do all that we can to getting the petition to reach 20,000 signatures. THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUING SUPPORT -- IT HAS BEEN WELL NOTED BY OUR TRUDEAU GOVERNMENT!!! Salvatore (Sal) Amenta