Canada Scores a First!

Canada recently hosted the first-ever International Conference of Ministers Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities.

This impressive gathering, which took place in Montreal, included 75 ministers with disability portfolios from around the world. It was organized and chaired by the Secretary of State of Canada, the Honourable Robert R. de Cotret, along with two vice chairs - Ministers Michel Gillibert of France and Gabriel Maka of Zambia. In addition to the ministers attending, there were several representatives from disability organizations. These included the International Council on Disability, Disabled Persons’ International and the World Veterans Federation, among others.

The idea for the Conference originated at Independence 92, the International Congress and Exposition on Disability, which took place in Vancouver last April. The Congress and Exposition created a renewed momentum for international action, which led to Canada’s sponsoring the timely and precedent setting assembly of world leaders in Montreal in October.

The major objective of the Montreal Conference was twofold: first, to develop a census on a framework for action at the international level on disability issues as a follow up to the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons. The second objective was to consider developing a mechanism for information exchange and collaboration at the international level among ministers responsible for the status of persons with disability.

Themes discussed at the Conference included: independent living, income-generating strategies, human rights, partnerships, and public awareness.

The Conference resulted in the establishment of a working group of ministers, to be chaired by Minister de Cotret, which will develop a proposal for an ongoing mechanism within the United Nations’ system. Its mandate would be to promote information exchange and collaboration on issues of concern to the global community of people with disabilities. The group will develop the proposal over the next six months and report back to the ministers.

Following the Ministers’ Conference, the Secretary of State led the Canadian delegation to the special plenary session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on the end of the Decade of Disabled Persons.

In addressing the General Assembly, Minister de Cotret reported on the outcome of the Conference and outlined Canada’s ongoing commitment to advancing the cause of people with disabilities. It was the first time in the United Nations’ history that a Canadian Minister has spoken to the General Assembly specifically with reference to the concerns and aspirations of people with disabilities.

Dr. Bruce Halliday, chair of the Standing Committee on Human Rights and the Status of Disabled Persons, addressed the General Assembly on behalf of Canada. Other members of the delegation included Henry Enns, Patrick Fougeyroleas and Patricia Pardo-Demiantschuk.

The Montreal Conference was one more sign of Canada’s leadership role in drawing world attention to the issue of disability. It also served as an expression of the political will world wide to work together for change on behalf of the international community of 500 million people with disabilities.

As the United Nations Decade comes to a close, we need more than ever to look to the future. The momentum generated over the past ten years must not be allowed to wind down. Rather, we must continue to work unabated if we are to achieve our ultimate goal - full participation and equality for all members of the human family.