ODA Committee Update
dated December 15, 2002
posted Dec. 24, 2002

ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMMITTEE UPDATE ODA ISSUE COMES UP AGAIN IN FINAL DAYS OF ONTARIO LEGISLATURE'S SITTINGS December 15, 2002 SUMMARY Although the Ontario Legislature was pre-occupied with many high-profile issues this fall, and the ODA was not the subject of any formal debate time in the Legislature, the ongoing issues surrounding the ODA kept coming up during the fall 2002 sittings of the Legislature. It is widely discussed that this may be the last full sitting of the Legislature before an anticipated election is called, rumoured to be possible in the spring of 2003. Below are the last two exchanges in the Legislature in the fall 2002 sittings: * On November 28, 2002, Conservative MPP Burt Johnson asked a friendly question of Citizenship Minister De Faria about the activities of the province's Accessibility Advisory Council which the Government finally finished appointing. The Minister's answer indicated that the Government-selected Council was holding its first full meetings on November 28 and 29, 2002, over 11 months after this legislation was passed. The Minister said that the Council's advice will be important to moving forward on the Government's commitment to achieve a barrier-free Ontario. The Minister has not indicated what issues he has referred to this Council for advice. * On December 3, 2002, Liberal Disability Critic Ernie Parsons and Conservative MPP Garfield Dunlap made statements in the Legislature honouring that day as the International Day for Disabled Persons. The ODA was mentioned. As important, speakers from both parties spoke in the very language which the ODA Committee has used i.e. the need to remove and prevent barriers facing 1.9 million Ontarians, to achieve a barrier-free province. Getting our very language used on both sides of the Legislature is an important step towards getting meaningful action. Send us your feedback on these exchanges at: oda@odacommittee.net ***** Ontario Legislative Assembly Thursday, November 28, 2002 ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE DISABLED Mr Bert Johnson (Perth-Middlesex): I direct my question to the Minister of Citizenship, the Honourable Carl DeFaria, the dynamo from Mississauga East. I want to take the opportunity to ask you about some of the most recent outstanding appointments you've made to the Accessibility Advisory Council of Ontario, created as part of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001. The appointment of Brampton Paralympian Jeff Adams as the new chair of the council, Barry McMahon as the vice-chair, as well as the eight additional members will make a significant contribution to our government's commitment to create a barrier-free Ontario. There are many people with disabilities in my riding who are watching the development of the ODA with great interest. Minister, could you tell me about the council and how it will help improve the lives of Ontario's 1.9 million people with disabilities? Hon Carl DeFaria (Minister of Citizenship, minister responsible for seniors): I welcome the opportunity to tell the Legislature about the Accessibility Advisory Council of Ontario. The council's role is to provide me with advice related to the implementation of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The council advises and reports to me on issues such as the accessibility of government services, as well as those services funded by government, the accessibility for people with disabilities to employment opportunities and other accessibility-related issues as they arise. Because accessibility is a shared responsibility, the council will assist the government in engaging the private sector in partnership to develop initiatives and inclusive programs and services for people with disabilities. Mr Johnson: I thank the minister for the response. One of the reasons I'm interested is that earlier this week a member of the opposition talked about a form that he said would make it very difficult for ODSP recipients. I just wanted to make sure this council will debunk that kind of information. Minister, as you mentioned, this council will provide advice on issues that affect people with disabilities. In fact, I was pleased to hear that Kathryn Bremner, who's been a long-time community leader and advocate for people with disabilities in both my riding and our colleague's riding of Whitby-Ajax, has been appointed as one of the eight new members of the council. Further, Duncan Read, an existing council member, is also active in disability issues in the Ajax area as a judge and former president of the Ontario March of Dimes. Can you please tell us more about other accessibility advisory council members and of course any upcoming meetings? Hon Mr DeFaria: With respect to our government's commitment to achieving an accessible Ontario, I have appointed a group of exceptional individuals to supplement our existing high-calibre members of the council, bringing the full complement to 12 members. Along with our existing members, Jeff Adams, our newly appointed chair, and Barry McMahon, our newly appointed vice-chair, we have Duncan Read and Dean La Bute. Last month's appointments also include Kathryn Bremner of Whitby, Valerie Baker of Waterloo, Barbara Fowke of Kitchener, Uzma Khan of Mississauga, Tracy MacCharles of Pickering and Kristin Snoddon, Karen Liberman and André Bélanger of Toronto. I'm also pleased to report that we are having our first full meeting today and tomorrow. I know their advice will be important to moving forward our government's commitment to achieving an accessible Ontario. ***** Ontario Legislative Assembly Tuesday 3 December 2002 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DISABLED PERSONS Mr Ernie Parsons (Prince Edward-Hastings): It is my pleasure to rise on this, the International Day of Disabled Persons. It is appropriate that this day is set aside, although it would be nice if we didn't have to, because every day should be the day for these individuals. I have yet to meet a person with a disability who is disabled. I have been inspired, motivated and enriched by my contact with them. But this is a day for those of us who do not yet have a disability to stand up and speak for our fellow citizens. We need to make changes in this province. We need to listen to individuals with disabilities to meet their needs so we can level the playing field. We need to allow them to work without clawing back all of the money they make. We need to immediately stop building new barriers. Certainly, the goal is to remove existing barriers, but at this present time in Ontario we continue to erect new barriers to those with disabilities. We need to ensure that those who are unable to work can have a life that is not at or below poverty level. These are our fellow citizens. Everyone in this chamber will ultimately be judged on how they treat Ontarians with disabilities. We need to do more and we can do more. I urge everyone in this House to act immediately, to remove barriers and ensure a life of dignity. These individuals want to have the same access to services and the same opportunity as everyone else. Those doors have yet to be fully opened. Mr Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North): It is my pleasure to announce that today is the International Day of Disabled Persons. This day, designated by the United Nations in 1992, is a day to promote increased awareness and understanding of disabled issues. By observing this day, we take the time to recognize the contributions and achievements of people with disabilities. Barriers must be removed to tap into the full potential offered by those with disabilities. In Ontario, there are more than 1.9 million people with disabilities. Our government is committed to breaking down the barriers faced by these individuals and to ensuring a drive toward full accessibility. As you know, at this time last year our government passed the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This legislation is key to our vision of creating a barrier-free society. Additionally, the 12-member Accessibility Advisory Council of Ontario is fully active and helping to assist in moving the Ontarians with Disabilities Act ahead. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act is designed to increase independence for people with disabilities so they have more opportunities to participate fully in our society to the benefit of us all. The ODA is Canada's first and most comprehensive legislation for people with disabilities. It builds on our government's multi-billion dollar commitment to programs and services. Mr Speaker, honourable members, please take this special day and every day as an opportunity to increase awareness about accessibility for people with disabilities in your communities..

 

Top of Page

 

Website maintained by Barbara Anello

Please email your feedback on the website.

Last updated December 24, 2002