On December 3, Canada announced accession to the Protocol attached to the CRPD. Though it took eight years to do, we can take satisfaction in knowing that our efforts paid off. Thanks to all of you who supported this campaign by signing and sharing the petition...and many thanks to CHANGE.ORG for making it possible.
At this time, you are urged to turn your attention to another worthy petition we have launched, and which has still to bear fruit. Please click on this link to it.
Salvatore (Sal) Amenta, Stouffville, Ontario.
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Below is an article on the Protocol's adoption. It was written by Ron Laroche and published in Update Friday, December 7, 2018, for Community Living Ontario:
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted
The Government of Canada used the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd to announce that it had adopted the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility, made the announcement, which will allow Canadians to bring petitions before the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities if they feel their rights have been violated under the Convention.
“Over the last year, our government has taken important steps to help realize a barrier-free Canada,” said Qualtrough. “Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate those accomplishments and look towards the future of accessibility in Canada with optimism.”
Canada’s accession to the Optional Protocol of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities builds on our work and sends a clear message that we are committed to the rights of persons with disabilities and committed to giving all Canadians a fair chance at success.”
Kory Earle, President of People First of Canada, stated the adoption of the Optional Protocol is a positive step to ensuring that Canadians who have intellectual disabilities have their voices heard.
"This announcement regarding the Optional Protocol, along with this government’s intention to pass the proposed Accessible Canada Act, sends a strong message to Canadians with and without disabilities that this government truly believes in inclusion and equality for all.”
Canada ratified the Convention in 2010. In addition to allowing for complaints to be taken to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Optional Protocol allows the Committee to inquire into allegations of grave or systematic violations committed against people in this country.