Ottawa set to sign UN treaty: Decision to join 53 other nations ends months of uncertainty

OTTAWA – The federal government appears ready to end months of uncertainty and add its signature to a landmark United Nations treaty on protecting the rights of people with disabilities.Mar 30, 2007
Bruce Campion-Smith

OTTAWA – The federal government appears ready to end months of uncertainty and add its signature to a landmark United Nations treaty on protecting the rights of people with disabilities.

It has been a question mark whether Canada would join 53 other nations today to endorse the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – an agreement that Canadian advocates had a hand in drafting.

However, Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay will announce Canada's participation this morning, a decision reached after consultations with the provinces.

"I think there's been a real flurry of activity ... some quick phone calls back and forth amongst capitals to confirm that everyone is comfortable with Canada taking that step," said Alex Neve, secretary-general of Amnesty International Canada.

He said participation by the federal government in the signing ceremony would be "welcome."

"It's going to be an affirmation of Canada's leadership on this issue," Neve said in an interview.

"Canada is seen as a country that has one of the best approaches and records around the world when it comes to disability rights," he said. "It would be noted if Canada is absent."

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