Justin Trudeau’s Accessibility Legislation Fails to Meet the Needs of Canadians with Disabilities

This week the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities will vote on amendments to Bill C-81, An Act to Ensure a Barrier-Free Canada. Conservative members of the committee issued the following statement regarding the legislation:

“Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government are failing Canadians with disabilities.  The Liberals dragged their feet for three years and are now rushing through legislation before the next election so that they can claim they care.  However, the disability community and related organizations from across Canada have been clear: Bill C-81 falls well short of what they expect and need.

“At committee we heard from countless witnesses who vehemently outlined the many shortcomings of the current legislation.  The bill fails to outline timelines for the implementation of the new accessibility measures, uses permissive language which doesn’t require the government to actually use the powers in the legislation, creates numerous exemptions for regulated entities, and contains a coming-into-force provision which does not require the government to do anything to improve the lives of Canadians with disabilities. That’s not right.

“Canada’s Conservatives understand that Justin Trudeau’s failures have real-life consequences for Canadians with disabilities.  That is why we have submitted more than 60 amendments to strengthen the government’s legislation and address the concerns raised during the committee’s study.

“Conservatives will fight for these changes at our committee meeting on Wednesday and hope that the Liberals will listen to the disability community and accept these essential recommendations to ensure a strong and effective Accessible Canada Act.”