Canada and the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or otherwise Print Disabled

Reports are that the Canadian delegation, pictured below, played a positive role in the negotiation of the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or otherwise Print Disabled.  (The video of Canada's opening statement is available here: click  English video for Wednesday June 19 at 3:30-3:45). However, Canada has not yet signed the treaty.

Whereas the UK, Switzerland, and Brazil, along with 48 other countries, all signed the treaty on the last day of the diplomatic conference, disappointingly, Canada has not yet signed.  The treaty remains open for signature for one year.  Even if Canada does not sign the treaty within that year, it may still ratify the treaty and implement it into law.  Signing the treaty would signify some level of support for and interest in it, and has been likened to the "dating" phase before formalizing the treaty into Canadian law by ratification.  While "dating" is not a necessary step prior to marriage, it is a good sign of interest.

Canada should sign the Marrakesh Treaty as soon as possible, to signify its support for what is being heralded in all corners as a great achievement.