Accessibility Standards Canada and the Government of Alberta have entered into a formal agreement to strengthen their collaboration on developing accessibility standards.
Announced on June 10, 2024, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is expected to enhance efforts and resource sharing to create a more inclusive environment in Alberta and across Canada.
The MOU focuses on aligning the two parties’ efforts in areas such as the Built Environment and provincial building codes. Both governments will consider each other’s accessibility priorities and coordinate on the development, review, and implementation of accessibility standards. This collaboration may also involve promoting, supporting, and conducting research related to accessibility.
Philip Rizcallah, Chief Executive Officer of Accessibility Standards Canada, expressed his support for the agreement, stating, “At Accessibility Standards Canada, we wholeheartedly welcome this agreement with the Province of Alberta. It will help advance equity and accessibility for all people with disabilities. Our unwavering commitment to inclusivity fuels our work, and we take pride in our shared vision. By aligning our efforts to achieve an accessible society, regardless of jurisdiction, we are doing what is right.”
Alberta’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, Ric McIver, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We are pleased to be working more closely with Accessibility Standards Canada to support our commitment to creating more accessible, inclusive communities. Accessibility standards in our building codes mean greater accessibility in all our communities, and I’m grateful to our partners for helping us advance accessibility in Alberta.”
Dominic Shaw, Chair of the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, also praised the collaboration, noting, “Ensuring all people, regardless of ability, have access to public and private spaces is a cornerstone of all accessibility work. The Premier’s Council is pleased to see the government listening to the voices of the disability community and taking this step forward in jurisdictional collaboration and appreciates the dedication this shows to inclusion for all Albertans.”
The MOU, officially signed on May 1, 2024, is set to last five years with the possibility of renewal. It aims to formalize a working relationship that optimizes the accessibility objectives of both parties, reduces duplication of efforts, and promotes the sharing of knowledge and best practices.
Accessibility Standards Canada is a federal organization responsible for developing standards, advancing accessibility research, and disseminating information about accessibility. The Government of Alberta administers provincial legislation related to disabilities and works with communities and organizations to advance accessibility.
This agreement with Alberta brings the total number of MOUs signed between Accessibility Standards Canada and provincial partners to eight. Similar agreements are already in place with the governments of Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Ontario.