Canada Emphasizes Disability Inclusion at UN Conference
As the world grapples with escalating global challenges, the Government of Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing disability inclusion. Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, Honourable Patty Hajdu, 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. The conference, held in New York City, explored innovative ways to finance disability inclusion, inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI), and protecting the rights of Indigenous persons with disabilities.
Key Takeaways:
- Minister Hajdu reaffirmed Canada's commitment to advancing disability inclusion, highlighting the importance of collaboration with the disability community to develop key elements of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, such as the Canada Disability Benefit and the Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities.
- Canada introduced a national standard on accessible and equitable AI, ensuring that 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.
- A side event on inclusive AI shared best practices on how AI can be leveraged to foster meaningful workforce participation for persons with disabilities.
- Bilateral meetings with counterparts from France, Ireland, and Brazil took place, sharing valuable insights and learning from other countries' experiences in advancing disability inclusion.
Statistics:
- The conference focused on the overarching theme of "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."
- Discussions centered on innovative ways to finance disability inclusion, inclusive AI, and protecting the rights of Indigenous persons with disabilities.
- The conference took place from June 10 to 12 in New York City.
Sources:
- Government of Canada News, June 12, 2025