The Premiers of Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut this week signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that commits to advancing accessibility and reducing physical barriers for Canadians with disabilities.
This MOU reflects a shared vision of a more accessible Canada. By taking action and setting new goals, provinces and territories can create accessibility improvements that are consistent, effective, and responsive to the needs of residents. Provinces and territories will work to harmonize technical and administrative barrier-free accessibility provisions, including those for new building construction through the National Building Code.
Through the MOU, provinces and territories are committed to working together to remove physical barriers to promote equitable participation in all areas of society. The MOU calls on the federal government to create a National Accessibility Retrofit Fund to streamline accessibility funding to support the goal of becoming a barrier-free country.
The MOU is being signed in the spirit of leadership and perseverance inspired by Canadian accessibility champion Rick Hansen. Forty years ago, in 1986, Hansen launched the historic Man in Motion World Tour, travelling more than 40,000 kilometres across 34 countries in his wheelchair to raise awareness of the potential of people with disabilities and to remove barriers to inclusion. His journey captivated millions and helped change perceptions around disability worldwide.
Quotes
“Forty years after Rick Hansen’s epic Man in Motion World Tour inspired Canadians to rethink what’s possible, this agreement carries that vision forward in the same spirit of opportunity and determination. Newfoundland and Labrador is proud to join jurisdictions across Canada in advancing a shared vision of accessibility and inclusion. This agreement recognizes that when we work together to remove barriers and improve access, we create stronger communities and a better quality of life for generations to come.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs
“This agreement reflects the spirit and intent of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Buildings Accessibility Act and our commitment to creating a more accessible province. Working with provinces and territories to harmonize accessibility standards will help ensure new buildings are designed with inclusion in mind, making it easier for people with disabilities to access services, particularly in their communities, and live more independently. Together, we are helping to build a more accessible and barrier-free future for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Mike Goosney
Minister of Government Services
“Creating a more accessible Newfoundland and Labrador means removing barriers that limit participation and ensuring people with disabilities have equitable opportunities to live, work and engage in their communities. By working together with provinces and territories across Canada, we are helping build a more inclusive future for all of us.”
Honourable Joedy Wall
Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being
Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities
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