Minister Qualtrough launches National AccessAbility Week in Canada

May 28, 2017                Gatineau, Quebec             Employment and Social Development Canada 

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, today issued the following statement:

“I am happy to announce that today marks the official start of National AccessAbility Week.

From May 28 to June 3, National AccessAbility Week will promote inclusion and accessibility in communities and workplaces, and inspire Canadians to change the way we think, talk and act about barriers to participation. This cultural shift is what we need to create real social change.

As Canada’s first Minister responsible for persons with disabilities, I strongly believe that our country’s diversity is our strength—and it means a great deal to me to use my position to build a truly inclusive society where we embrace the abilities of all citizens.  

We need to create a society where all Canadians have an equal opportunity to succeed right from the start. We’ve made great strides in making Canada more accessible, but there is still much work to do and that includes developing new federal accessibility legislation.     

This week, I will take part in a number of events to highlight some of the important initiatives our government and its partners are undertaking to make this vision a reality and to celebrate the contributions of Canadians with disabilities to our society.

Please join me in celebrating National AccessAbility Week as we work towards a truly accessible Canada.”

Minister’s itinerary during National AccessAbility Week (subject to change):

May 30, 12:00 p.m. – Minister Qualtrough to join Spinal Cord Injury Canada for an announcement and to participate in the Accessible Run on the Hill, Parliament Hill, Centennial Flame, Ottawa, Ontario

May 31, 11:30 a.m. – Minister delivers a keynote address at the Annual Canadian Association for Supported Employment Conference. Sheraton on the Falls Hotel, 5875 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario

June 2, 9:00 a.m. – Minister to deliver remarks at Access Makeathon, hosted by Neil Squire Society and Telus. Telus Garden, 510 West Georgia Street, Vancouver