OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canada is stronger when everyone has the chance to contribute and thrive. That is why Canada continues to work with partners at home and around the world to promote inclusion and break down barriers for persons with disabilities.

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, joined Italy's Minister for Disabilities, the Honourable Alessandra Locatelli, and Canadian and Italian leaders at Carleton University for a panel discussion on accessibility, inclusion and the rights of persons with disabilities. The panel was moderated by the Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disabilities, Leslie Church. Minister Hajdu also took part in the opening of Italy's exhibition on the Solfagnano Charter, an international commitment to advancing accessibility, inclusion and the full participation of persons with disabilities around the world.

During the event government representatives, researchers, disability organizations, students and members of the disability community shared ideas and discussed ways to advance accessibility and inclusion through international cooperation, including through the Solfagnano Charter and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Minister Hajdu also highlighted federal funding to support Canada's implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Through the Social Development Partnership Program – Disability Component, the Government of Canada is investing $684,879 in for seven projects that will help build the awareness, knowledge and capacity of the disability community to meaningfully engage in the implementation of the convention.  

When persons with disabilities can participate fully in their communities, workplaces and society, everyone benefits. Through collaboration with international partners and ongoing investment, Canada is helping create a more accessible, inclusive and barrier-free future.

Quotes

"Building a more accessible and inclusive Canada starts with listening to persons with disabilities and ensuring they are active partners in the decisions that affect their lives. By working together and learning from one another, we can continue to break down barriers and create more opportunities for people to reach their full potential."

– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

"Meaningful progress on accessibility happens when governments, researchers, organizations and persons with disabilities come together to share experiences and solutions. Today's discussion demonstrated the value of international collaboration in advancing inclusion and upholding the rights of persons with disabilities. By learning from one another and working in partnership, we can help build communities where everyone can fully participate. "

– Leslie Church, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Jobs and Families (Persons with Disabilities)

"Cooperation is essential to advancing accessibility, inclusion and the rights of persons with disabilities. Today's dialogue with our Canadian partners highlighted the importance of sharing experiences, knowledge and solutions to break down barriers and promote full participation. The Solfagnano Charter and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities provide a strong foundation for our shared commitment to building more inclusive and accessible societies, where everyone can participate fully and contribute to its community."

– Alessandra Locatelli, Italy's Minister for Disabilities

Quick facts

• Canada adopted the Solfagnano Charter during the G7 in Italy on October 16, 2024.
• The Solfagnano Charter identifies eight priorities and outlines recommendations and actions for G7 member countries, including universal accessibility, independent living, as well as inclusive education, employment and services. Italy's exhibition on the Solfagnano Charter is being hosted at Carleton University's Tory Building.
• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an international human rights treaty ratified by Canada in 2010. Parties to the convention are required to promote and ensure the full enjoyment of human rights of persons with disabilities including full equality under the law.
• The Social Development Partnerships Program – Disability Component is a grants and contributions program that supports disability organizations through funding to increase operational capacity and develop new approaches to remove barriers to social inclusion for persons with disabilities.

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Backgrounder : Minister Hajdu meets with Italian counterpart and stakeholders to highlight international collaboration to advance disability inclusion - Canada.ca

Associated Links

Solfagnano Charter 
Adoption of the Solfagnano Charter in 2024
Canada and the G7
About an Accessible Canada 
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
Social Development Partnerships Program – Disability Component

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada