The Canadian Network on Disability and Development (CNDD) exists to provide a network forum for Canadian disability organizations and interested parties to share knowledge and build partnerships as well as engage government on disability and development issues.

Now is the time for Canada to take action:

The United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol were adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 13, 2006. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was entered into force on May 12th, 2008 after receiving its 20th ratification on April 3rd, 2008.

Canada was one of the first countries to sign the Convention on March 30, 2007. By signing the Convention, Canada agreed to act in a manner that would not defeat the object and purpose of the treaty.

When the Government of Canada signed the Convention, it decided to conduct a broad consultation with stakeholders before making a decision on ratification. The federal departments leading the work toward ratification are Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), the Department of Justice Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Canadian Heritage and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

HRSDC officials were asked to lead online consultations with a broad range of stakeholders in order to contribute to making a well-informed decision on the ratification of the Convention.

"The Convention promises to be an important tool for the protection and promotion of the human rights of people with disabilities worldwide," said Minister Finley. "This consultation process is an important opportunity for stakeholders and other Canadians to provide valuable feedback and recommendations on the potential impacts of the Convention for people with disabilities."

The Government of Canada is seeking the views of Canadians, particularly those in the disability community, in order to make an informed decision on the ratification of the Convention.

Advancing the Rights and Alleviating Poverty of People with Disabilities – Key Messages

• Canada signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on March 30th, 2007
• Upon signing the Convention the Government of Canada committed to public consultations in advance of ratification
• An NDP-led all-party motion was passed in May 2008 supporting the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
• The Government of Canada should use this Convention to inform its international engagement and commitment to all Canadians

Why? Because

Poverty is both a result of exclusion and lack of supports, and it contributes to further exclusion and vulnerability in a ‘vicious cycle’

• Fact: Children in Canada with disabilities are twice as likely as other children to live in households that rely on social assistance as a main source of income, and families of children with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty then other families
• Fact: Over 85 per cent of people with disabilities throughout the world live in poverty, while 75 per cent of adult Canadians with intellectual disabilities live in poverty
• Fact: Poor environmental quality is a significant cause of ill health and disability
• Fact: Approximately 20 million women become disabled each year worldwide as a result of complications during pregnancy or childbirth
• Fact: Mortality rates for children with disabilities can be as high as 80 per cent in some countries
• Fact: Women with disabilities are 2 to 3 times more likely to be victims of physical and sexual abuse then women without disabilities