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Ontario Government Introduces New Disability Accessibility Bill

13 Oct 04 - The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) released the following press release yesterday.

ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMMITTEE UPDATE MAJOR STRIDE FORWARD IN OUR DECADE-LONG CAMPAIGN - ONTARIO'S LIBERAL GOVERNMENT TODAY INTRODUCED A NEW BILL INTO THE ONTARIO LEGISLATURE FOR FIRST READING TO ACHIEVE A BARRIER-FREE PROVINCE

October 12, 2004  

SUMMARY

Today, the Ontario Liberal Government kept its 2003 election promise by introducing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2004. The Bill will make Ontario a better province by creating a society that is open to all, including people with disabilities. We will circulate the bill as soon as we get an electronic copy of it. Information will also be available on the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Web site.

Below we set out the text of the Government's news release and backgrounder on the bill. In short, this is a very good bill. It is a dramatic improvement on the weak, limited ODA 2001 which the previous Conservative Government passed.  While we have not had a chance to closely study the bill, we can confirm the following important highlights:

  • The bill sets long-term goals for a barrier-free Ontario by 2025, but it also requires that work begin immediately. Short and medium-term time goals required by the legislation will ensure that steady progress is made.

  • The bill uses a broad, inclusive definition of disability and the barriers that will be covered by the Act. It isn't limited to only physical disabilities or physical barriers.

  • The bill applies to the private as well as public sector.

  • Mandatory accessibility standards, developed through consultation with persons with disabilities as well as businesses or organizations in the affected sectors, will be developed.

  • There is a fair and effective enforcement mechanism to ensure that progress is made.

With this development, the Government has kept its 2003 election commitments to introduce new legislation within one year of taking office, to clearly extend the bill to the private sector, to provide for effective enforcement, and to provide for time lines and mandatory standards on accessibility. To see the Government's election commitments, click here.

This is a major step forward. We have worked long and hard over the past decade to achieve this milestone. But we still have lots more work ahead.

The bill will be going for second reading and it is expected that there will be committee hearings which will give persons with disabilities an opportunity to give input.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

As soon as we get the bill itself, the proceedings in the Legislature from today, and any media coverage, we will get these materials out to you via email. We will also develop a more detailed analysis of the bill. We will welcome your feedback.

From that feedback we will develop suggestions for possible amendments to improve the bill. While its certainly a very good bill, there is opportunity through the legislative process to make it even better.

Beyond this, however, we all have an important task ahead of us, starting as soon as the bill and supporting materials reach you. We need to launch a province-wide grassroots campaign to support this bill. We need to get the word to the public, the media, and all political parties that this bill should be supported and passed  into law, not opposed. We will send out action tips on how you can help. In the meantime, send us your ideas, and your feedback, at: oda@odacommittee.net.

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 [The Ontario Coat of Arms]

News Release/
Communiqué
Office of the Premier/
Cabinet du Premier ministre
For Immediate Release
October 12, 2004

REAL ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES

Every Ontarian Benefits When We Tap Into The Potential Of Each Ontarian

TORONTO - New legislation to be introduced today is designed to strengthen Ontario's economy and society by making Ontario fully accessible for people with disabilities, says Premier Dalton McGuinty "Every Ontarian deserves the opportunity to learn, work and play to their fullest potential," said Premier McGuinty. "And every Ontarian benefits when we tap into the potential of each Ontarian."

The bill is strong, effective, comprehensive legislation that would, if passed, help remove barriers faced by people with disabilities.  The proposed new legislation would replace the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001, which was dismissed by advocates for people with disabilities as ineffective.

It would improve accessibility in workplaces and public spaces and improve access to employment, customer service, communications and transportation.

It would allow for the setting of accessibility standards for both the public and private sectors and enforce timelines for compliance.  These standards would be developed in consultation with persons with disabilities and the organizations that would have obligations under the act.

"This is about doing the right thing," said Dr. Marie Bountrogianni, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.  "It is also about shaping our future - because to compete in the world economy we need to benefit from the talents of all Ontarians."

Premier McGuinty said the legislation is a testament to the tireless efforts of those working on behalf of people with disabilities, from advocates to members of the Liberal caucus, who have worked on this issue for years. "During the election campaign, I said Ontario works best when we all work, and dream, and build together.  Today, we're taking a step towards that goal."

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For more information:
Premier's Media Office
416-314-8975
www.premier.gov.on.ca