The Provincial Government has received recommendations from the Buildings Accessibility Advisory Board (BAAB) on how to improve upon the Buildings Accessibility Act so that people with diverse abilities and methods of access are enabled in a dignified and respectful manner. The recommendations can be viewed here.
The Board, which reports to and advises the Minister of Digital Government and Service NL on the application of the Act and its associated regulations, has played an important role in the current review of the Act. Since it was introduced in 1981, the Act has only received minor amendments as urgent issues arose. The current review will be comprehensive, aimed at strengthening and modernizing the legislation.
To complement the recommendations received from BAAB, government will also seek input from key stakeholders throughout the province in early fall via the engageNL platform to help inform the legislative amendment process. Anyone interested in submitting feedback before that time can provide their comments to ChristopherMcGee@gov.nl.ca or send to:
Buildings Accessibility Act Review
c/o Christopher McGee
Digital Government and Service NL
2nd Floor, West Block
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4J6
Quotes
“Inclusion influences all aspects of an individual’s life such as family, community, recreation, education, employment, as well as access to information, services and opportunities. I want to thank the Buildings Accessibility Advisory Board for their thoughtful recommendations, and I look forward to receiving additional insights through our consultation process on how to improve upon the legislative framework currently guiding the province’s accessibility to the built environment.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL
“I would like to thank the Buildings Accessibility Advisory Board for their comprehensive review of the Buildings Accessibility Act and accompanying recommendations. As my Department is nearing finalization of the province’s first accessibility legislation, we anticipate that these recommendations and the upcoming stakeholder engagement process will help further Government’s understanding of the need to make legislative changes to support persons with disabilities wherever they live in the province.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Children, Seniors and Social Development, and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities
“The recommended changes to the Act, which have been very carefully and thoroughly discussed and proposed by the Board in consultation with multiple stakeholders, will catapult Newfoundland and Labrador beyond measure, and with dignity, in the world of accessibility.”
Dennis Gill, Chair
Buildings Accessibility Advisory Board
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Learn more
Buildings Accessibility Act
Amendments will Improve Accessibility and Equity for All Persons
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Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Michelle Hunt-Grouchy
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-5148, 682-6593
michellehuntgrouchy@gov.nl.ca