What is Bill C-81?
On June 20th, 2018, Bill C-81, was first read in the House of Commons. Bill C-81 was created in effort to remove barriers for those with physical, mental, intellectual, learning, or communication disabilities in addition to those with sensory impairments.
According to the first reading of the bill, the purpose of the Act is to benefit all Canadians, especially those with disabilities by identifying and removing barriers in areas of key importance to Canadians.
The Accessible Canada Act
One year after the Bill was first read in the House of Commons, it received Royal Assent! Bill C-81 is now called the Accessible Canada Act and the Government of Canada has promised to set out requirements for organizations to follow in order to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility.
The Government of Canada conducted consultations with Canadians to examine their vision for an accessible Canada. Based on the results of these interviews, the Canadian Government has identified several key areas of focus for the new legislation:
- Programs and service delivery
- Employment
- The built environment
- Information and communications technology
- Procurement and transportation
Who will have to remove barriers?
Government organizations and services that are required to follow the government’s laws (e.g. Canada Revenue Agency, Transportation Canada, etc.) must adhere to new legislation. This involves adjusting spaces and practices to meet the needs of those who work in and with the organization.
Furthermore, organizations that fail to comply with new regulations may be subject to a warning or fine.
The Accessibility Commissioner and Minister of Accessibility will monitor organizations to determine whether they are following regulations. Persons with disabilities also have the right to submit complaints to the Canadian Human Rights Commission if they were discriminated against due to their disability.
What’s Next?
The passing of Bill C-81 was a tremendous milestone for Canadians. It represents the public’s knowledge and awareness of issues and barriers pertaining to accessibility and inclusion in public spaces. The Accessible Canada Act also demonstrates the Government of Canada’s efforts to advocate for and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. We hope to see the new legislation enacted quickly and efficiently.
Learn More: