New Accessible Canada Regulations
by CM Staff
The regulations will require federally mandated organizations to report to the public on their policies and practices that identify and remove existing barriers.
GATINEAU — Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, announced that the federal government will be moving forward with the implementation of the Accessible Canada Regulations, according to a statement from Employment and Social Development Canada.
The regulations will require federally mandated organizations to report to the public on their policies and practices that identify and remove existing barriers. These regulations apply to organizations such as federal departments, agencies, parliamentary entities, Crown corporations and federally regulated private sector entities.
According to the statement from Employment and Social Development Canada, the Accessible Canada Regulations will make key areas such as federal facilities, information technology, transportation and the design and delivery of programs more accessible to Canadians with disabilities.
The Canadian government has also stated that the Accessible Canada Act is part of an effort to create a barrier-free country by 2040. In addition to the ACA and these new regulations, the federal government is developing the first-ever Disability Inclusion Action Plan, which will include a new Canada Disability Benefit, improved processes for eligibility for Government disability programs and benefits, and an employment strategy for Canadians with disabilities.
“Canadians with disabilities have the right to fully participate in a society that is free of barriers whether it be in their workplace or in accessing services within their communities. Through the Accessible Canada Act and the Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, the Government is working closely with persons with disabilities to achieve a fully inclusive and accessible Canada.” said Qualtrough in a statement.
