Federal minister to consult Northerners about planned accessibilities act
Carla Qualtrough says act will go ‘way beyond’ physical ailments, will include mental illnesses
Canada's Minister for Sport and Persons with Disabilities is heading to the North this week, looking for ideas about how Canada can become more accessible.
Carla Qualtrough, who will visit communities across the country from now until February, is looking to develop federal legislation that can promote "equality of opportunity and increase the inclusion and participation of Canadians who have disabilities or functional limitations," according to an announcement on the federal government's website.
"I know when I was up there in Iqaluit [in March], I talked with a number of individuals who find it difficult to get around especially in the winter months, because of all the snow and the access the way buildings are built," Qualtrough said in an interview last week.
She says the legislation will go "way beyond the more noticeable disabilities" like those that require the need for a wheelchair. She says it will also protect those with functional limitations like autism or mental illnesses like depression.
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"We need to be very clear of the things that are really blocking people from participating in society," said Qualtrough, who's legally blind, and added that most people don't notice.
During this month's visit, Qualtrough will be asking people about the proposed legislation; what do people think of its main objectives? Who should be protected under the act? What accessibility issues do people face? How often should the legislation be reviewed?
She will be in Whitehorse on Sept. 22, Iqaluit on Sept. 24 and Yellowknife Sept. 26.
People can submit their comments and suggestions online after meeting with Qualtrough in person.
"What we don't have right now is a law that helps set standards for service providers and program deliverers and employers around expectations around disability and access," she said.
"We want to get this before Parliament. We want to make sure this doesn't sit on shelves after we consult. We need to be very clear of the things that are really blocking people from participating in society."