“This is truly a historic moment for Canada and for Canadian citizens with disabilities in that the ratification of the CRPD is one more mechanism to entrench and actualize the rights of persons with disabilities”, said Bendina Miller, President of the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL). “We applaud the leadership demonstrated by the Government of Canada in the development and signing of this convention, and now today in taking this final step toward its ratification.”

”Canada can take great pride in the role it played in the development of the convention”, said Anna MacQuarrie, Director, Policy & Programs, CACL, “and we are most pleased that the Government of Canada has now officially indicated its intention to ratify this important international treaty. We expect and indeed look forward to full party support for ratification.”

“Today, International Day of Persons with Disabilities has special meaning for all Canadians. Today, Canada takes another step in advancing and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities to be full and participating Canadian citizens” said Bendina Miller. “As an Association that represents people with intellectual disabilities and their families and on behalf of our more than 40,000 members, not only do we support timely ratification of the CRPD, we stand prepared to assist the Government in implementation of the convention once ratified.”