International Human Rights Day

Hon Cameron Jackson (Minister of Citizenship, minister responsible for seniors): I ask for a unanimous consent to do a five-minute statement to celebrate International Human Rights Day.

The Speaker (Hon Gary Carr): Is there unanimous consent? Agreed? Agreed.

Hon Mr Jackson: It is an honour today to invite all Ontarians to join in celebrating International Human Rights Day. Today marks the 53rd anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a landmark document recognizing the dignity and inherent rights of all people.

Ontario is significantly proud of its efforts to ensure the human rights of every individual in this province. In fact, Ontario has played a defining role in the history of human rights in our nation. In 1962, it became the first province to establish a Human Rights Commission and the first to legislate a Human Rights Code. That code, backed up by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, has set standards of human rights and entitlement that are the envy of the world, rights that have strengthened and will continue to strengthen. ...

... A further demonstration of this government's intent to allow all Ontarians the right to the benefits of full citizenship and full participation was demonstrated with the tabling of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Bill 125, the most far-reaching legislation of its kind ever introduced in Canada. It is appropriate that this week an all-party legislative committee of this House will consider clause-by-clause amendments, after consultations with the broader disabilities community, to strengthen this important benchmark legislation.

 

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