Canada Emphasizes Disability Inclusion at UN Conference

Strategic Insights -

This week, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, led Canada's delegation to the 18th session of the UN Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, where she championed Canada's commitment to advancing disability inclusion. The conference, held from June 10 to 12 in New York City, brought together delegates from various countries to discuss global challenges and barriers to inclusive development. Minister Hajdu emphasized the importance of collaborating with the disability community to develop key elements of Canada's Disability Inclusion Action Plan and highlighted the country's commitment to reconciliation and justice for Indigenous persons with disabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Minister Hajdu reaffirmed Canada's commitment to advancing disability inclusion and developed key elements of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan with the disability community.
  • Canada introduced a national standard on accessible and equitable AI to ensure no one is left behind in technological progress.
  • The Minister emphasized Canada's commitment to reconciliation and justice for Indigenous persons with disabilities, guided by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
  • Canada hosted a side event on inclusive AI, where participants shared best practices on leveraging AI for workforce participation for persons with disabilities.
  • The Minister participated in bilateral meetings with counterparts from France, Ireland, and Brazil to share valuable insights and learn from other countries' experiences in advancing disability inclusion.
  • The UN Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities took place from June 10 to 12 in New York City.
  • The conference theme was "Enhancing public awareness of the rights and contributions of persons with disabilities for social development leading up to the Second World Summit for Social Development."

Statistics:

  • 18th session of the UN Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
  • Conference took place from June 10 to 12 in New York City
  • Bilateral meetings were held with counterparts from France, Ireland, and Brazil
  • Canada's Disability Inclusion Action Plan includes the Canada Disability Benefit and the Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities

Sources:

  • Government of Canada news release, dated [June 12, 2023] (no date explicit in the original text)
  • United Nations Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (18th session)
  • Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
  • Disability Inclusion Action Plan
  • Canada Disability Benefit
  • Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities