This past year, the Government of Canada has continued to make significant progress implementing the Accessible Canada Act (the Act), reinforcing its commitment to advance accessibility and the inclusion of persons with disabilities
Today, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, welcomed Stephanie Cadieux on her first day as Canada's first Chief Accessibility Officer (CAO). With the appointment of Ms. Cadieux and the recent appointment of Michael Gottheil as Canada's first Accessibility Commissioner to the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC), the Government has moved closer to the full implementation of the Act and the realization of a barrier-free Canada.
Over the course of Ms. Cadieux's four-year term, she will serve as an independent special advisor to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion providing advice on a wide range of accessibility issues. As CAO, Ms. Cadieux will monitor and report on systemic and emerging accessibility issues, and will produce an annual report to the Minister detailing progress and outcomes achieved under the Act.
A key objective for Ms. Cadieux and her team, will be to establish the Office of the CAO as a trusted source of information on accessibility, promoting a positive and productive dialogue between the federal government, disability stakeholders, and national and international organizations.
Stephanie Cadieux is a long-time advocate for accessibility, disability inclusion and diversity, with more than 15 years of experience in planning and leadership roles. A former elected member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, she is a member of the disability community, possessing extensive lived experience in government and as person with a disability.
