Many have written to welcome and celebrate this accomplishment, but others ask what it means and how it will benefit them. Before you read my answer, please remember that the federal government has committed to adopting the Protocol by the end of 2017, but that it hasn't happened yet! This commitment is a good thing in itself, but I intend to stay in touch with Ministers Dion and Qualtrough, and to do what I can to make sure it happens. I will keep insisting that Canada's new law have the teeth to go after those who violate disability rights, as America's accessibility act does. For it is one thing to commit to safeguarding disability rights, and quite another to follow through by defending them aggressively. Only rigorous enforcement of the new federal law can fulfill the promise Canada made to the UN convention more than ten years ago. We need to remain vigilant to make sure that our government is accountable for the promises it made back then to people with disabilities. Back to your question. The Protocol safeguards disability rights by giving Canadians the right to complain to the UN Committee for personal or systemic violations of their rights. The only condition is that you have already exhausted every tool available to you in Canada; e.g., by lodging a complaint with provincial/territorial or federal human rights authorities. So if you or anyone you know has taken such routes and still have an unresolved issue, you will be able to write to the UN committee to file a complaint. Then, if the committee finds merit in your case, it can demand an explanation and/or remedy from the Canadian government. The Protocol guarantees you that route, but without the Protocol you would have reached a dead end right here in Canada. This petition will remain open to allow for ongoing conversation, and for even more Canadians to add their signatures. My sincere thanks to all supporters -- your loud voices have made it easier for our government representatives to hear and adopt our cause! Salvatore (Sal) Amenta, PhD