Ontario to Increase Accessibility, Boost Economy

Province Appoints New Accessibility Council

July 5, 2013 | Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment

Ontario is taking steps to ensure that people living with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of our economy and society with the appointment of members to the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council/Standards Development Committee.
The Council represents a cross-section of leaders from Ontario's disability community and organizations that have to comply with Ontario's accessibility laws. Alongside Chair Jim Sanders, the Council will work to increase accessibility in Ontario. Their first order of business will be to review and enhance the service standard that applies to customer service.
Increasing accessibility across the province will help boost Ontario's economic growth and competitiveness by improving employment rates for Ontarians with disabilities and by helping organizations that sell goods and services focused on accessibility.
Making sure all Ontarians have an opportunity to participate in the workforce and contribute to building a stronger economy is part of the government's plan to create a fair society for all.

Quick Facts

Over the next 20 years, people with disabilities will represent 20 per cent of Ontario's population.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act was passed in 2005 with the goal of making the province accessible by 2025.
A fully accessible Ontario could generate up to $9.6 billion in new retail spending, according to a report by the Martin Prosperity Institute, and up to $1.6 billion in new tourism spending.

Quotes

"Our plan to make Ontario a fully accessible province is the right thing to do, and it makes economic sense. If our economy is to be vibrant and if our society is to be truly fair and inclusive, all Ontarians must have the opportunity to contribute."

- Dr. Eric Hoskins
Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment

"I am extremely pleased to chair this important committee and contribute my skills and knowledge to making Ontario a better place to live. A fully accessible society is important for everyone. It will allow many of us to enjoy a quality of life that most others take for granted"
- Jim Sanders
Chair, Accessibility Standards Advisory Council/Standards Development Committee

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Background

Ontario's Accessibility Standards Advisory Council/Standards Development Committee
Ontario's Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) requires the establishment of an Accessibility Standards Advisory Council/Standards Develop
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Monday, July 8, 2013