Province Supports United Nations Convention

Nova Scotia's Minister responsible for the Disabled Persons Commission, Denise Peterson-Rafuse, today, March 12, applauded Canada's decision to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

"Nova Scotia is proud to be such a strong advocate for individual rights for persons with disabilities and we congratulate the government of Canada for ratifying this important convention," said Ms. Peterson-Rafuse.

By signing the convention, Canada is committed to upholding the rights of those with disabilities and supporting their full participation and integration in a community. The convention also guides future policies for the rights of the disabled.

The Disabled Persons Commission represents the needs of the twenty per cent of Nova Scotians who live with one or more disabilities. The Department of Community Services also supports 5,000 individuals with disabilities through the Services for Persons with Disabilities program. The $220-million program provides day programs, residential options and in-home support services.

"We are committed to providing the necessary support to help individuals with disabilities live as independently as possible in their own community," said Ms. Peterson-Rafuse. "I look forward to working with the commission to ensure the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities in our society."

For more information on the Service for Persons with Disabilities Program, go to www.gov.ns.ca/coms .

For more information on the convention, go to the United Nations Convention website at www.un.org/disabilities .