Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Government of Canada, Employment and Social Development
What does an accessible Canada mean to you? Be part of the conversation.
Online consultations now open to inform the development of planned accessibility legislation
The Government of Canada is leading a national consultation process to inform the development of legislation that will transform how the Government of Canada addresses accessibility. Starting today, Canadians can participate in the online component of this national consultation process and share their ideas on how to improve accessibility and the inclusion of Canadians with disabilities. Canadians are encouraged to participate in the online consultation by completing a questionnaire available in English, French, American Sign Language or Langue des signes québécoise and in their preferred format such as digital, handwritten, video or audio submissions. Canadians can provide their input online or by telephone, mail, email, fax and TTY.
The Government of Canada is seeking input to inform the development of this planned new legislation, including:
- feedback on the overall goal and approach
- to whom it could apply
- what accessibility issues and barriers it could address
- how it could be monitored and enforced; and
- what else the Government of Canada could do to improve accessibility.
In-person consultations, including round tables and public sessions, will start in September across Canada. Canadians are also encouraged to follow Accessible Canada on Facebook and to follow the hashtag #Accessible Canada. The consultation process will run until February, 2017.
The Government of Canada is committed to eliminating systemic barriers and delivering equality of opportunity to all Canadians living with disabilities and to ensuring all Canadians are able to participate equally in their communities and workplaces. This consultation is an important step in this direction.
Quote:
"I am excited to start hearing from Canadians on how we can better address accessibility issues. This is a big step in helping to ensure our communities become more inclusive for all Canadians. From the beginning, it has been our goal to do things differently; to involve Canadians in the matters that affect them. The feedback we hear through this process will help shape the new legislation."
— The Honourable Carla Qualthough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
Additional Resources:
Media Contact:
Ashley Michnowski
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
819-934-1122
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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