The New Brunswick government has released its first five-year strategic plan on accessibility, outlining steps to remove barriers and build a more inclusive province.
Post-Secondary Education and Training Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours said the plan sets a clear direction for how government will collaborate with residents and sectors across the province to advance accessibility.
“The release of this strategy represents an important launching point for the progress we anticipate over the next few years,” said D’Amours. “Improving accessibility across the province is a significant undertaking, and this plan clearly establishes how government will work with all New Brunswickers and all sectors to make that happen.”
Three goals outlined
The strategy focuses on three main goals:
- Engagement: Work with all sectors to identify and remove accessibility barriers.
- Culture: Foster a culture of accessibility across communities.
- Regulations: Establish and enforce accessibility standards and regulations.
The plan was informed by the Accessibility Advisory Board, public feedback, and research from other provinces, according to D’Amours.
Focus on eight key areas
The strategy builds on the province’s Accessibility Act and targets eight priority areas for developing standards:
- information and communications
- employment
- built environment
- government services
- transportation
- education
- housing
- sports and recreation
Accessibility office to oversee implementation
An accessibility office within the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour will lead the implementation of the plan and report progress over the next five years. The office will also support the Accessibility Advisory Board in developing and recommending accessibility standards that could become regulations.
“This is another historic step for New Brunswick and New Brunswickers with a disability,” said board chair Haley Flaro. “This strategic plan is good for individuals, families, businesses and the community. The legislation is the foundation to making accessibility a priority, and this plan will help us build on that as we move forward.”
The department is currently seeking public input on accessibility initiatives through online engagement.
For more information, see https://www.gnb.ca/en/campaign/accessibility.html
