Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee: Letter to the Hon. helen Johns dd October 27, 1999; The ODA Committe: is a voluntary coalition of individuals and community organizations who have united to secure the passage in Ontario of a new law which would achieve a barrier-free society for persons with disabilities.

Letter to the Honourable Helen Johns
Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation
October 27, 1999

October 27, 1999
The Honourable Helen Johns
Minister of Citizenship,
Culture and Recreation
400 University Avenue, 6th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 2R9
Dear Minister:
Re: Ontarians with Disabilities Act
The October 22, 1999 Throne Speech said that consultations on the Ontarians with Disabilities Act "continue" and that the "goal is to introduce a new action plan this session." Are these the consultations with the public that were promised in the pre- election Throne Speech last spring, or are they a continuation of the informal consultations on how to consult that you told us about when we met with you on September 28, 1999?
Our membership is understandably concerned about the ongoing delays. We hope that you will soon accept our proposal that an all-party Select Committee of the Legislature hold open, accessible public hearings prior to a bill being drafted.
We would also appreciate receiving more information on what is meant by an action plan, referred to in last week's Throne Speech. Is it an action plan for public consultations, or an action plan for introducing new legislation, or an action plan for some other strategy? Again, we would appreciate clarification from you as soon as possible so that we can advise our membership of the government's plans.
You should have received the information that you requested on the Thompson Lightstone poll by now from our counsel, Patti Bregman. I hope and trust that if you or the government are undertaking any polling or have done any on disability issues, that you will share it with us in the same way.
We look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
David Lepofsky, CM,
Chair, Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee
cc:
Hon. Mike Harris    325-7578
Norman Sterling    326-2913
Dalton McGuinty    325-9895
Dwight Duncan    325-2201
Steve Peters    325-7262
Howard Hampton    325-8222
David Christopherson    325-7111
Marilyn Churley    325-7111

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