Since the last update of December 2, information has been received from the office of the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities. Here is a recap of what has happened thus far, as well as what happens next. BACKGROUND: In December 2016, the Government announced that it had begun the process toward accession to the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This process included consultations with provincial and territorial governments, which have been under way for the past year. FEDERAL PROCESS: The Optional Protocol will be tabled for 21 consecutive sitting days. Following the 21 day period in Parliament, and after receipt of formal written support from all provincial and territorial governments, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will make a submission to the Governor in Council (the Governor General) for authority for Canada to accede to the Optional Protocol. PROVINCIAL/TERRITORIAL PROCESS: Letters from Minister Hehr to his provincial and territorial counterparts seeking their governments’ formal support began the formal processes for provincial and territorial governments. Each jurisdiction has its own formal process to follow. Since tabling began at the end of November, the 21 days will elapse sometime in the new year because of the holiday recess. When the date is known another update will be posted so we can look for an announcement. Until then we must keep our fingers crossed that there will be unanimous consent from all parties. It is most gratifying to see that our petition has exceeded 27,000 signatures, so once again thanks for your wonderful support!