Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure
Province Continues to Build Towards an Accessible Ontario by 2025
Ontario has appointed Rich Donovan as the new Chair of the province's Accessibility Standards Advisory Council (ASAC).
The Council is responsible for providing high-level strategic advice to the Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure on matters related to the implementation of the Accessibility for Ontario with Disabilities Act, 2005.
Mr. Donovan is a globally renowned authority on disability and corporate profitability. He has helped provide clients and global governments with insights to frame disability as a global emerging market. He is also the publisher of The Global Economics of Disability Annual Report and his expertise on the scope and value of the disability market is sought by businesses, government and non-government organizations around the world.
Improving accessibility is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan.
Quick Facts:
- Mr. Donovan holds a Masters of Business Administration from Columbia Business School and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Schuilich School of Business at York University.
- A more accessible Ontario can result in new spending of $9.6 billion in our retail sector and $1.6 billion in our tourism sector.
- One in seven Ontarians has a disability, a number that will increase to one in give by 2035. Over the next 20 years, people with disabilities will form 40 per cent of our province's consumer base.
- in 2010, the Martin Prosperity Institute outlined that building a more inclusive Ontario could lead to an estimated $7.9 billion increase to our GDP.
- The Accessibility Standards Advisory Council is comprised of representatives from across the province including those from the disability community, business sector and the broader public sector.
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
"I’m excited at the prospect of working with Mr. Donovan to continue our important work in making Ontario accessible by 2025. His experience, leadership and passion will be huge assets to our government, and I welcome him as Chair of the advisory council."
— Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure
"It has been my pleasure to have worked on accessibility issues with Rich for several years and I can attest that he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council. He is passionate about creating a fully inclusive province and reducing the challenges faced by all persons with disabilities in Ontario."
— David Onley, Special Advisor on Accessibility to Minister Duguid and outgoing interim Chair, Accessibility Standards Advisory Council
"As the world develops its understanding of the economic value created by people with disabilities, it is time to roll up our sleeves and explore new ways to accelerate the process of unleashing that value. I am excited to work with a talented group of people and partners to innovate and provoke practical outcomes benefiting all Ontarians."
— Rich Donovan, Chair, Accessibility Standards Advisory Council
Media Contacts:
Andrew Forgione
Minister’s Office
416-212-4217
andrew.forgione@ontario.ca
Brigitte Marleau
Communications Branch
416-325-2479
brigitte.marleau@ontario.ca
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