Fletcher and Waslycia-Leis support rights of persons with disabilities

December 10, 2009

(Ottawa, ON) - The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia, and Judy Waslycia-Leis, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North today rallied the unanimous support of Parliament behind speedy ratification of the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Today, a motion was moved by Waslycia-Leis and seconded by Fletcher, that the government ratify the Convention as soon as the provinces and territories have given their consent, hoping for ratification by the 2010 Paralympic games.

The Convention will ensure persons with disabilities receive human rights equality and that these rights are protected,” said Fletcher. “Ratifying the Convention before the 2010 Paralympic games demonstrates to the international community Canada’s commitment to persons with disabilities.”

Ratifying the Convention will consolidate what we’ve accomplished so far with respect to the rights of persons with disabilities and confirm our commitment to continue to build an accessible and inclusive Canada,” said Waslycia-Leis. “The ratifying of the convention before the 2010 Paralympic games is also a way we can show support for our Paralympic athletes.”

The government of Canada tabled the Convention in the House on Thursday, December 3, 2009. The Convention was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 13, 2006 and Canada was one of the first countries to sign it on March 30, 2007.

I would like to acknowledge the hard work of my colleagues on this, particularly, current Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon and former Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Mackay,” added Fletcher.