Summary: Making Canada More Accessible for Everyone
Canada is working towards a future where everyone can participate fully in daily life, but there are still barriers that prevent many Canadians, especially those with disabilities or functional limitations, from doing so. To address this, the Government of Canada is developing new federal accessibility legislation. This legislation aims to promote equality of opportunity and increase the inclusion of Canadians who face these barriers, focusing on areas under federal jurisdiction.
Minister Qualtrough, Canada’s first minister of Persons with Disabilities, is leading this initiative. The government has reached out to Canadians to hear their views on what the legislation should include and how it should work. This consultation, managed by Employment and Social Development Canada’s Office for Disability Issues (ODI), took place both online and in person from the summer of 2016 to February 2017. It covered how to achieve the goals of the legislation, who it applies to, what barriers it should address, and how to ensure compliance.
The input was collected through online questionnaires, letters, phone calls, public sessions, and meetings with various groups and organizations across Canada. This approach allowed for a wide range of opinions, ideas, and personal stories to be shared, marking a significant Canadian discussion on disability since the mid-1990s.
Analysts, rather than software, processed the feedback to fully grasp the complexity and depth of participants’ input. The analysis followed the structure of the consultation’s guiding questions and identified key themes related to accessibility, such as awareness, enforcement, and supporting organizations.
Overall, the consultation showed a strong desire for more accessible communities and workplaces across Canada. The feedback will help shape the new legislation, ensuring it effectively addresses the needs and barriers faced by Canadians with disabilities.
