International
CCD's approach to international cooperation is based upon human rights and our disability rights principles of equality, consumer-control, self-representation, citizenship, and empowerment. Canadians with disabilities focus on the need to remove barriers to participation that individuals with disabilities face within their communities. CCD's International Development Committee provides leadership on international issues.
Recent Work
June 4, 2010
Canadian Council for International Co-operation (CCIC) May Be Defunded
I am writing to express our deep concern that the Canadian Council for International Co-operation (CCIC) – after decades of partnership with CIDA - may now be defunded. The Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) is a member of CCIC and has been for many years. We work with CCIC to ensure that those focused on international development work are aware of the needs of persons with disabilities in the developing world. It is through the good work of CCIC members that persons with disabilities, often the most marginalized in developing societies, get the benefit of both humanitarian aid and development program initiatives. CCD cannot do this work alone. We need organizations like CCIC that help coordinate development agency work. Read more.
March 11, 2010
Canada Ratifies United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Joy and celebration are the two primary emotions felt today by many Canadians with disabilities as the Government of Canada ratifies the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at the United Nations. Canada today pledged to be governed by the CRPD, the newest international human rights treaty which boldly articulates a human rights framework for addressing the exclusion and lack of access people with disabilities have encountered in Canada and in all societies.
Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon, far left, observes as U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, second from left, meets members of the Canadian delegation, including CCD's Steve Estey. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
March 3, 2010
MPs Back to Work to Tackle Unfinished Business
The Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) is pleased that Members of Parliament are back to work. Now the Government of Canada can make good on a commitment made on 3 December 2009: Ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Read more.
More on International
December 3, 2009
Government of Canada Tables in the House The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Canadians with Disabilities Celebrate This Milestone Event
September 15, 2009
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
March 30, 2009
Pressure Mounting for Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
March 23, 2007
CCD, CACL, CAILC and Amnesty International Applaud Canada's Support for CRPD
March 20, 2007
Canada Signs UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
February 20, 2007
Government of Canada Urged To Show Continued Leadership and Sign UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Canada signs the Declaration on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the United Nations. Members of the Canadian Delegation Steve Estey, Chair of CCD’s International Committee, and Dulcie McCallum observe Canada’s ambassador make this historic commitment.
May 12, 2008
Canadians with Disabilities Celebrate the Coming into Force of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
As twenty countries have ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), it now has the force of international law. Steve Estey, the Chairperson of CCD's International Development Committee joined other colleagues from the global disability rights movement at a UN ceremony to promote greater societal awareness of the CRPD, which provides guidance to countries on how to ensure people with disabilities experience full enjoyment of their human rights. Read more.