RESOLUTIONS PASSED
by Ontario Municipalities
in Support of a STRONG ODA

Here is a list of all the places that have passed resolutions
supporting a strong Ontarians with Disabilities Act which we have
been told about. This is an impressive demonstration of the strong
support for this legislation across Ontario.

It is also a powerful demonstration of the tremendous work of members
and supporters of the ODA Committee at the grass-roots right across
Ontario.

If you live in a community which has not yet passed a resolution,
we encourage you to get active in getting one passed. we can give
you a sample resolution if you wish. Let us know how its going!

 

Click on any of the links below to go directly to that segment of this document:

Regional Municipality of Niagara February 4, 1999

Regional Municipality of Ottawa Carleton November 12, 1998

Mississauga City Council June 14, 2000

Town of Lindsay June 12, 2000

Regional Municipality of Durham Durham March 22, 2000

The Toronto City Council

Council of the City of London September 20, 1999

Council of the City of London October 2, 2000 (passed a resolution affirming its resolution of September 20, 1999)

City of St. Catharines April 19, 1999

Whitby City Council May 30, 2000

Windsor City Council (two resolutions) June 30, 1997, March 29, 1999

Township of Chatsworth June 7, 2000

City of Port Colbourne February 8, 1999

City of Niagara Falls January 18, 1999

Limestone District School Board February 10, 1999

City of Thunder Bay, June 26, 2000

City of Kitchener August 30, 2000

Kingston City Council September 26, 2000

City of Guelph October 2, 2000

St. Thomas City Council October 2, 2000

Regional Municipality of Waterloo September 15, 2000

Sarnia City Council October 30, 2000

City of Burlington, February 5, 2001

City of Barrie, May 28, 2001

Town of Ajax April 3, 2000

Municipality of Clarington April 10, 2000

Association of Local Public Health Agencies June 13, 2000

City of Toronto (Ontarians with Disabilities Act) February 29,
March 1 and 2, 2000

City of Toronto (barrier-free Toronto) June 7, 8 and 9, 2000.

Brockville, City of 1000 Islands , September 11, 2001

United Counties of Leeds & Grenville, October 18, 2001

Municipality of the Town of Milton, October 29, 2001

Model for a Municipal Resolution on the ODA

 

 

On Thursday, February 4, 1999, The Regional Municipality of Niagara passed a resolution calling for a strong Ontarians with Disabilities Act, following up on a similar resolution which the City of Niagara Falls had passed. Here is the text of the documentation concerning these resolutions.

OFFICE OF THE CLERK
The Regional Municipality of Niagara
2201 St David's Road, P.O. Box 1042
Thorold, Ontario L2V 4T7
Telephone: (905) 685-1571
E-Mail Address: rhollick@regional.niagara.on.ca

1999-03-15

Mr. David Lepofski, Chair

Re: Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee

Dear Mr. Lepofski:

The enclosed information was dealt with by the Regional Council as correspondence, Item C4380, on Thursday, February 4, 1999. At the meeting Council's motion was to receive and support the Resolution of the City of Niagara Falls.

You will note that a letter from the Mayor of Niagara Falls, who is, by his election to the office of Mayor, also a Regional
Councillor, forwarded a letter to the Honourable Isabel Bassett, Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.

Please call my office if you need any additional information respecting this motion. I would be pleased to assist you.

Yours truly,

Gary Atack

Deputy ClerkFebruary 2, 1999

The Honourable Isabel Bassett

Dear Minister

Please find attached a copy of Resolution 99-07 which was recently passed unanimously by Niagara Falls City Council. As you will note, the resolution pertains to your Government's Bill 83, the proposed Ontarians with Disabilities Act. It is admirable that your Government has chosen to rectify the current lack of barrier free access for Ontarians; however, the proposed Act does not go far enough.

Although the Ontarians with Disabilities Act requires each Ministry to prepare an annual plan for identifying, removing and preventing barriers to persons with disabilities', it does not set strict time frames to make all Ontario Government premises barrier free. In addition, there are no measures in the Act requiring private sector employers to provide barrier free access, no outline of an effective mechanism to enforce the legislation and deal with complaints or any incentives to encourage the production of adaptive technologies. The implementation of such measures would more adequately allow those with disabilities to fully participate in everyday society.

It is not too late for the Government to take more effective measures to make Ontario a truly barrier free Province. I would respectfully request that the Ministry work with members of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee and other Disability groups in a consultative setting. In a proactive, positive environment what would emerge would be an Act that would be meaningful, effective and acceptable to the group that would be most effected by it -- the disabled.

Thank you for your consideration of this very important issue.

Sincerely,
Wayne Thomson
Mayor

cc. Mr. Bart Maves MPP, Niagara Falls
Mr. Tim Hudak MPP, Niagara South
The Regional Municipality of Niagara
City of Niagara Falls Disability Advisory CommitteeThe City of Niagara
Falls, Ontario
Council Chambers

No. 07 January 18, 1999

Moved by Alderman PUTTICK

Seconded by Alderman CUMMINGS

WHEREAS Ontarians with disabilities face many barriers when they seek to participate in all aspects of Ontario life;

AND WHEREAS there is an urgent and pressing need for a new, strong and effective law to achieve a barrier free Ontario for people with disabilities;

AND WHEREAS Premier Harris promised in writing during the 1995 election to work together with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee, to develop this new law, to be called the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and to pass it in his first term;

AND WHEREAS the Ontario Legislature unanimously passed a resolution on October 29, 1998, calling on the Government to make sure that this law is strong and effective, and embodies the 11 principles set out in the resolution, to make sure, that the law is strong and effective, not weak and window dressing,

THEREFORE, the City of Niagara Falls resolves that:

1. We support the goal of enacting new legislation and regulations with the aim of achieving the full and equal
participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of Ontario life by creating a barrier free society through the removal of all existing barriers mid the prevention of new ones;

2. We will call on the Ontario Government to enact a strong and effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act in this term before calling an election. The legislation Shall fully comply with the unanimous resolution of the Ontario Legislature passed on October 29, 1998;

- 2 -

3. The Legislation introduced in the first term, Bill 83, called the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, is not acceptable since it does not meet the requirements of the resolution and, in fact, does not require a single barrier to be removed, ever.

AND the Seal of the Corporation be hereto affixed.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

E.C. WAGG
City Clerk

WAYNE THOMSON
MAYOR

 

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On November 12, 1998, the Regional Municipality of Ottawa Carleton passed a resolution which supports enactment of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The ODA Committee has been advised that the Regional Council of Ottawa Carleton's minutes for its November 12, 1998 meeting includes the following entry:

"PRESENTATION - ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS AS AMENDED

That Council approve the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton endorse the position of the Ottawa-Carleton Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, the Ottawa-Carleton Chapter of Ontarians With Disabilities Act Ad Hoc Committee and the Disabled Persons Community Resources with regard to the Ontarians With Disabilities Act (ODA) and request that the final legislation be an effective tool to increase access and opportunities for persons with disabilities.

CARRIED"

This came after a presentation was made to the Ottawa Carleton Region's Community Services Committee by local members of the ODA Committee on October 28, 1998 which led that Committee of the Regional Municipality to pass a resolution along the same lines as above.

 

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The Mississauga City Council approved the following resolution on June 14, 2000: on the Ontarians with Disabilities Act:

we the City Council of Mississauga suport the following.

whereas Ontarians with disabilties face many barriers when they seek to participate in all aspects of Ontario;

and wereras premier harris promised in writing during the 1995 election to work together with the ontarians with disabilities act
committee to develop this new law, to be called the ontarians with disabilities act, and to pass it in his first term;

and whereas the ontario legislature unanimously passed a resolution on october 29, 1998, calling on the government to make sure that this law is strong and effective, and imbodies the 11 principles to make sure that the law is strong and effective, not weak and window dressing.

and whereas the legislation introduced by the ontario government in the fall of 1998, bill 83, called the ontarians with disabilities
act, is not acceptable since it does not meet the requirements of the ontario legislature's october 29, 1998 resolution and, only
required the planned removal of barriers to participation without the accompanying elements such as strict time limits to action
which would ensure that it was strong an effective.

and whereas the ontario legislature also unanimously passed a resolution on november 23, 1999 which requires that a strong and effective ontarians with disabilities act be enacted no later than 2 years from that date;

now therefore be it resolved:

1. that the goal of inacting new legislation and regulations be supported with the aim of achieving the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of ontario life buy creating a barier free society through the removal of existing barriers and the prevention of new ones;

2. that the ontario government the requested to enact an effective ontarians with disabilties act in this term, before
calling an election and that the legislation comply with the unanimous resolution of the ontario legislature passed on october
29, 1998, and that accompanying the legislation are necessary revisions to the building code to address the retrofit of existing
buildings for barrier free design.

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Here is a lettefrom the Clerk of thhe Town of Lindsay to the Ontario Government documenting that Lindsay passed a resolution supporting a strong Ontarians with Disabilities Act on June 12, 2000:

Percy Luther, MPA, CMO
Clerk
Telephone 705-324-6171
Extension 211
Facsimile 705-324-2051
Town of Lindsay
Administration Offices
180 Kent Street West
Lindsay ON
K9V 2Y6

June 13, 2000

The Honourable John Baird
Minister of Community and Social Services
Hepburn Block, 6th Floor
80 Grosvenor Street
TORONTO, ON M7A 1E9

Dear Sir:

RE: ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Council, at a meeting held June 12, 2000, adopted the following Recommendation of the Corporate Services Committee of the Town of Lindsay:

"RECOMMENDED THAT item CW2000-13.8.2.3 correspondence from the Municipal Advisory Council for Disabled Persons providing a suggested Resolution in support of a strong and effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act and attached Unanimous Resolution on the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (Ontario Legislature, October 29, 1998) be received; and,

THAT the Resolution, as amended, be adopted, namely:

"WHEREAS Ontarians with disabilities face many barriers when they seek to participate in all aspects of Ontario life;

AND WHEREAS there is an urgent and pressing need for a new, strong and affective law to remove barriers to free Ontario for people with disabilities;

AND WHEREAS the Ontario Legislature unanimously passed a reolution on November 23, 1999 which requires that a strong and effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act be enacted no later than two years from that date;

THEREFORE the Town of Lindsay RESOLVES THAT we support the goal of enacting new legislation and regulations with the aim to achieving the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of Ontario life; and,

THAT we encourage the Ontario Government to enact a strong and effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act in this term, before
calling an election. The legislation should fully comply with the unanimous resolution of the Ontario Legislature passed on October 29, 1998. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY CS2000-15"

The Town of Lindsay supports enactment of new legislation as set out in the above Resolution and would appreciate your advice on the status of same.

Yours truly,

Percy Luther, Clerk
/Wjh

c.c. Municipal Advisory Council for Disabled Persons

 

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On March 22, 2000, the Regional Municipality of Durham adopted a resolution supporting the enactment of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, as documented in the following correspondence:

March 22, 2000

The Regional Municipality of Durham
Clerk's Department

The Honourable Michael D. Harris
Premier of Ontario & President of the Council
Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1A1

Honourable Sir, the Health and Social Services Committee of Regional Council considered the above matter and at a meeting held on March 22, 2000, Council adopted the Committee's recommendations:

"a) THAT the following resolution regarding an Ontarians with Disabilities Act outlined In Appendix B to Report #2000-MOH-08 and the eleven principles embodied in the Ontario Legislature's October 29, 1998 resolution on the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, outlined in Appendix C to Report #2000-MOH-08, be endorsed: WHEREAS Ontarians with disabilities face many barriers when they participate in all aspects of Ontario life; and

WHEREAS there is an urgent and pressing need for a new, strong and effective law to achieve a barrier-free Ontario for people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS Premier Harris promised, in writing, during the 1995 provincial election to work together with the Ontarians with
Disabilities Act Committee to develop a new law, to be called the Ontarians with Disabilities Act and to pass it in his first term of office; and

WHEREAS the Ontario Legislature unanimously passed a resolution on October 29, 1998 calling on the Ontario Government to keep this promise and to enact a law that is strong and effective by embodying the principles listed in the resolution; and

WHEREAS Bill 83, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, which was introduced by the Ontario Government in the fall of 1998, but was never passed, was unacceptable in that it did not embody the principles in the Legislature's October 29, 1998 resolution and did not require a single barrier to ever be eliminated:

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Government of Ontario be urged to introduce new legislation to enable persons with disabilities to participate fully and equally in all aspects of Ontario life by creating a barrier-free society through the
elimination of all existing barriers and the prevention of new ones:

AND THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Government of Ontario be urged to pass this legislation, to be called the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, before the next provincial election;

AND THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Government of Ontario be urged to pass a strong and effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act that embodies the principles in the Ontario Legislature's October 29, 1998 unanimous resolution on the Ontarians with Disabilities Act,

b) THAT the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation and Durham Region's MPP be so advised;

c) THAT Durham Region's area municipalities and Boards of Education, be so advised and their endorsement requested, and

d) THAT this resolution be submitted to the Association of Public Health Agencies (alPHa) for consideration at its 2000 Annual
Conference."

P.M. Madill, A.M.C.T.
Regional Clerk

PMM/cs

cc: Please see attached list.The Honourable Helen Johns, Minister of
Citizenship, Culture &
Recreation
The Honourable Janet Ecker, M.P.P.
The Honourable Jim Flaherty, M.P.P.
The Honourable Chris Hodgson, M.P.P.
John O'Toole, M.P.P.
Jerry Ouellette, M.P.P.
M. de Rond, Clerk, Town of Ajax
G.S. Graham, Clerk-Administrator, Township of Brock
P.L. Barrie, Clerk, Municipality of Clarington
B. Suter, Clerk, City of Oshawa
B. Taylor, Clerk, City of Pickering
E.S. Cuddie, Clerk-Administrator, Township of Scugog
W.E. Taylor, Clerk, Township of Uxbridge
D.G. McKay, Clerk, Town of Whitby
Mr. Grant Yeo, Director of Education, Durham District School Board
W. Grant Andrews, Director of Education, Durham Catholic District
School Board
Mr. Don Foiz, Director of Education, Peterborough-Victoria-
Northumberland & Clarington Catholic District School Board
A. Papadopoulos, Executive Director, Association of Local Public
Health Agencies
L. Ullius, Manager, Public Health Nursing & Nutrition, Health
Department
R.J. Kyle, Commissioner & Medical Officer of Health

 

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The Toronto City Council has passed two resolutions which relate to the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The first calls for the enactment of this legislation, and was passed on February 29, and March 1 and 2, 2000. The second refers to the ODA and addresses the goal of a barrier-free Toronto, and was passed on June 7, 8 and 9, 2000.

Resolution 1:
Notice of Motion J(19), as adopted, unanimously, by the Council of
the City of Toronto at its meeting held on February 29, March 1 and
2, 2000

Moved by: Councillor Johnston

Seconded by: Councillor Mihevc

"WHEREAS there is overwhelming support for a barrier free City by 2008 for Toronto's Olympic Bid; and

WHEREAS the needs of people with disabilities have not been addressed equally with those of other marginalized groups in
Ontario; and

WHEREAS it is estimated that approximately 17 percent of the people living in the Province of Ontario have some form of disability; and

WHEREAS by 2011 it is estimated that one in every six Ontarians will be over the age of 65 and the over 75 population will more than double; and

WHEREAS it is an established fact that increasing age results in some form of a disability;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the City of Toronto request the Premier of Ontario to enact, expeditiously, the long-awaited and promised 'Ontarians With Disabilities Act'.

Resolution 2:

Clause embodied in Report No. 13 of The Administration Committee, as adopted by the Council of the City of Toronto at its meeting held on June 7, 8 and 9, 2000

16

City of Toronto - Accessibility Issues

(City Council on June 7, 8 and 9, 2000, amended this Clause by adding thereto the following:

"It is further recommended that the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer be requested to submit a joint report to the Administration Committee on an audit and financial plan to ensure that the City of Toronto is an accessible City by 2008.")

The Administration Committee recommends the adoption of the following motion by Councillor Joe Mihevc and Councillor Anne Johnston:

WHEREAS over 17 percent of Toronto's 2.4 million residents have some form of disability;

WHEREAS discrimination against people with disabilities is a pervasive social problem, evident in existing barriers to
employment, mobility, housing, public transportation recreation and communication;

WHEREAS the Council of the City of Toronto, at its meeting held on December 14, 15 and 16, 1999, recommended that the Chief Administrative Officer work with the Disability Issues Committee towards the establishment of an Office on Disability Issues and the appointment of a Member of Council as a special advocate on disabilities issues, as recommended by the Task Force on Community Access and Equity;

WHEREAS there is overwhelming support for a barrier-free City of Toronto by 2008 for Toronto's Olympic Bid;

WHEREAS the Council of the City of Toronto at its meeting held on February 29, March 1 and 2, 2000, unanimously adopted a motion requesting 'the Premier of Ontario to enact expeditiously, the long awaited and promised Ontarians with Disabilities Act';

WHEREAS each of the six City of Toronto Community Councils has recently endorsed the recommendations of the Toronto Joint Citizens Committee for People with Disabilities, as outlined in their report entitled 'Planning A Barrier-Free City of Toronto: A Statement of Planning Principles', which was submitted as part of the City of Toronto Official Plan Process;

WHEREAS National Accessibility Awareness Week is the first week of June 2000;

WHEREAS the former City of Toronto had a program to make city facilities accessible by year 2000 with a commitment to spend $1,000,000 a year from a dedicated fund of approximately $2.1 million at the end of 1997;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the City of Toronto commit to the implementation of accessibility principles outlined in 'Planning A Barrier-Free City of Toronto: A Statement of Planning Principles', thereby demonstrating its responsibility to make Toronto a truly barrier-free city irrespective of the Olympic Games;

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City of Toronto demonstrate this commitment towards a barrier-free City of Toronto by requiring all departments to develop an action plan that demonstrates how accommodation for people with disabilities will be addressed in employment equity strategies and in all services, programs, capital expenditures and communications for clients and the general public;

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Chief Financial Officer and the Commissioner of Corporate Services report back to the Council of the City of Toronto on all expenditures from the funds formerly allocated to the program of the former City of Toronto to make city facilities accessible by year 2000;

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the City of Toronto continue and extend the program of the former City of Toronto by committing in principle to annual expenditures to make all city facilities accessible by year 2008; and

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Chief Financial Officer and the Commissioner of Corporate Services prepare a comprehensive report on the matter to the Budget Advisory Committee and Administration Committee to come to the meeting of Council of the City of Toronto of August 1-2.

 

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The Council of the City of London passed a resolution supporting the enactment of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act on September 20, 1999. Here is the text of the relevant documentation from London that culminated in that resolution:

RECOMMENDATION TO THE COMMUNITY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES COMMITTEE,
City of London

That the following be sent to the three (3) leaders of the provincial parties in the Ontario Legislature:

1. . The City of London support the goal of enacting new legislation and regulations with the aim of achieving the full and
equal participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of Ontario life by creating a barrier free society through the removal
of all existing barriers and the prevention of new ones.

2. . The City of London calls on the Ontario government to work together with the members of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act
Committee, amongst others, in the development and passage of such legislation in this term of government.

3.. The City of London calls on the Legislature to enact legislation that supports the vision and intent of the unanimous
resolution of the Ontario Legislature of October 29/98, which called for legislation to provide persons with disabilities in
Ontario the opportunity to fully participate in life in Ontario.

4..The City of London ask AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) to take a similar position.

BACKGROUND TO THE RESOLUTION:

This recommendation can be seen as an extension of the City's commitment to implement its approved Inclusion Policy and the work currently underway regarding a Diversity Policy. We contend that there are definite economic advantages in doing so. Professor Jeffrey Gandz of the Ivey Business School, London, pointed out that there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that in an era of critical skill shortages, organizations are finding out that they must attract, retain, motivate and utilize their valuable human assets effectively if they are to be competitive. Diversity management can reduce unwelcome turnover, reduce absenteeism and be a powerful magnet in recruitment. We are pleased to note that access issues and considerations have already been identified in the City's preparation for our 2001 Summer Games. This can only support the City's strategic objective of economic development for all Londoners.

The London Chapter of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee (ODAC) has been before this Committee (CPSC) prior to the provincial election last June. Although similar resolutions had already been passed by city councils in Port Colborne, St.
Catharines and Niagara Falls, CPSC wanted to review its position after the election. Now that the provincial election is over, we deem it appropriate for the City to support the efforts of the ODAC and Londoners with disabilities. The new Minister of Citizenship, Hon. Helen Johns, has already got the ball rolling, having extended an invitation to meet with a delegation from the ODAC through its chair, David Lepofsky. Support of this recommendation is consistent with the City's vision statement to support the goal of barrier- free access for citizens with disabilities. Getting to this goal will be easier with provincial legislation that is consistent with the actions of the previous Legislature (unanimously passed on October 29/98) which called on the Government to bring in legislation that is strong and effective and embodies the attached eleven principles.

ATTACHMENT

1. The purpose of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act should be to effectively ensure to persons with disabilities in Ontario the
equal opportunity to fully and meaningfully participate in all aspects of life in Ontario based on their individual merit, by
removing existing barriers confronting them and by preventing the creation of new barriers. It should seek to achieve a barrier-free Ontario for persons with disabilities within as short a time as is reasonably possible, with implementation to begin
immediately upon proclamation.

2. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act's requirements should supersede all other legislation, regulations or policies which
either conflict with it, or which provide lesser protections and entitlements to persons with disabilities;

3. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require government entities, public premises, companies and organizations to be made fully accessible to all persons with disabilities through the removal of existing barriers and the prevention of the creation of new barriers, within strict time frames to be prescribed in the legislation or regulations;

4. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require the providers of goods, services and facilities to the public to ensure
that their goods, services and facilities are fully usable by persons with disabilities, and that they are designed to reasonably
accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. Included among services, goods and facilities, among other
things, are all aspects of education including primary, secondary and post-secondary education, as well as providers of
transportation and communication facilities (to the extent that Ontario can regulate these) and public sector providers of
information to the public e.g. governments. Providers of these goods, services and facilities should be required to devise and
implement detailed plans to remove existing barriers within legislated timetables;

5. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require public and private sector employers to take proactive steps to achieve
barrier-free workplaces within prescribed time limits. Among other things, employers should be required to identify existing barriers which impede persons with disabilities, and then to devise and implement plans for the removal of these barriers, and for the prevention of new barriers in the workplace;

6. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should provide for a prompt and effective process for enforcement. It should not simply
incorporate the existing procedures for filing discrimination complaints with the Ontario Human Rights Commission, as these are too slow and cumbersome, and yield inadequate remedies;

7. As part of its enforcement process, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act should provide for a process of regulation-making
to define with clarity the steps required for compliance with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. It should be open for such
regulations to be made on an industry-by-industry basis, or sector- by-sector basis. This should include a requirement that input be obtained from affected groups such as persons with disabilities before such regulations are enacted. It should also provide persons with disabilities with the opportunity to apply to have regulations made in specific sectors of the economy;

8. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should also mandate the Government of Ontario to provide education and other information resources to companies, individuals and groups who seek to comply with the requirements of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act;

9. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should also require the Government of Ontario to take affirmative steps to promote the
development and distribution in Ontario of new adaptive technologies and services for persons with disabilities;

10. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require the provincial and municipal governments to make it a strict
condition of funding any program, or of purchasing any services, goods or facilities, that they be designed to be fully accessible
to and usable by persons with disabilities. Any grant or contract which does not so provide is void and unenforceable by the grant- recipient or contractor with the government in question;

11. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act must be more than mere window dressing. It should contribute meaningfully to the
improvement of the position of persons with disabilities in Ontario. It must have real force and effect.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

On October 2, 2000, the London City Council passed a resolution
affirming its resolution of last year which calls for a strong
Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Here is the correspondence
confirming this.

*****

By Fax to: David Lepofsky

From: Cathie Best, Deputy City Clerk

Message: Councillor Sandy Levin requested that the following
resolution be forwarded to your attention.

I hereby certify that the Municipal Council, at its session held on
October 2, 2000 resolved to reiterate its resolution adopted on
September 20, 1999 as follows:

That, on the recommendation of the Ontarians with
Disabilities Act Committee, the following actions be taken with
respect to the Ontarians with Disabilities Act:

(a) the goal of enacting new legislation and regulations with the
aim of achieving the full and equal participation of persons with
disabilities in all aspects of Ontario life by creating a barrier
free society through the removal of all existing barriers and the
prevention of new ones BE SUPPORTED;

(b) the Province of Ontario BE REQUESTED to work together with
members of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee, amongst
others, in the development and passage of such legislation in this
term of government;

(c) the Provincial Legislature BE REQUESTED to enact legislation
that supports the vision and intent of the unanimous resolution of
the Ontario Legislature passed on October 29, 1998, which called
for legislation to provide persons with disabilities in Ontario the
opportunity to fully participate in life in Ontario; and

(d) the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) BE
REQUESTED to support this resolution. (10.4.l.)

 

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Here is the text of the official municipal records which document that the City of St. Catharines passed a resolution supporting enactment of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act on April 19, 1999:

General Committee Minutes, April 19, 1999

ITEM NO. 254

Report from the Corporate Support Services

Department Dated April 14, 1999

Re: Communication from the Mayor's Advisory Committee on Accessibility, Regarding Resolution from the Ontario with
Disabilities Act Committee Respecting Bill 83, Ontarians with Disability Act

File: 10.3.17

Mr. R. F. O'Neill, Chair, has requested the City of St. Catharines to endorse the following resolution which has been recommended by the Ontario with Disabilities Act Committee:

"Whereas Ontarians with disabilities face many barriers when they seek to participate in all aspects of Ontario life;

And whereas there is an urgent and pressing need for a new, strong and effective law to achieve a barrier free Ontario for people with disabilities;

And whereas Premier Harris promised in writing during the 1995 election to work together with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee to develop this new law, to be called the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and to pass it in his first term,

And whereas the Ontario Legislature unanimously passed a resolution on October 29, 1998, calling on the Government to make sure that this law is strong and effective, and embodies the 11 principles set out in the resolution, (attached below) [though missing from this email transcription] to make sure that the law is strong and effective, not weak and window dressing.

Therefore, the City of St. Catharines resolves that:

1. We support the goal of enacting new legislation and regulations with the aim of achieving the full and equal participation of
persons with disabilities in all aspects of Ontario life by creating a barrier free society through the removal of all existing
barriers and the prevention of new ones.

2. We will call on the Ontario Government to enact a strong and effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act in this term, before
calling an election. The legislation shall fully comply with the unanimous resolution of the Ontario Legislature passed on October
29, 1998,

3. The Legislation introduced by the Ontario Government in the fall of 1998, Bill 83, called the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, is
not acceptable since it does not meet the requirement of the Ontario Legislature's October 29, 1998 resolution and, in fact,
does not require a single barrier to be removed, ever."

RECOMMENDATION:

That the resolution from the Mayor's Advisory Committee on Accessibility, respecting Bill 83, Ontarians with Disabilities Act,
be endorsed.

MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DISHER:

That the recommendation contained in the report from the Corporate Support Services Department, Item Number 254 of the General Committee Minutes, April, 1999, be approved.

CARRIED

 

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According to the Oshawa Whitby This Week publication, the Whitby City Council passed a resolution supporting enactment of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act on May 30, 2000. Here is the text of the article which reports on this action.

Oshawa/Whitby This Week
Tuesday Edition
May 30, 2000

Headline: COUNCIL BACKS PUSH FOR DISABILITIES ACT
by Cindy Upshall, Staff Writer

Council is lending its voice to a call to the Province to enact legislation to break down barriers for the disabled.

Whitby councillors voted at Tuesday's meeting to endorse a resolution from Clarington council, asking the provincial
government to pass the Ontarians with Disabilities Act before the next provincial election.

The act would tear down physical barriers facing people with disabilities in the workforce and community.

Legislation was first proposed in 1994 in a private members bill by an NDP MPP. That bill died when the 1995 election was called. In November 1998, then-Minister of Culture, Citizenship and Recreation, Isabel Bassett introduced Bill 83, fulfilling an
election promise by Premier Mike Harris. That proposed ODA was so maligned by advocates of the disabled, it was eventually withdrawn. A new act has not been introduced during the government's second term in office.

"I think (the resolution) goes a long way to put the Province on notice," Councillor Gerry Emm said, noting advocates of the ODA have been pressuring the government for the legislation.

Councillor Joe Drumm, acting as deputy mayor while Mayor Marcel Brunelle (Whitby) is out of the country, said pasing the
legislation is an important step in changing people's perceptions of those with disabilities.

"We don't need to rehabilitate the disabled. What needs to be done is to rehabilitate the thinking of the people who make the laws," he said. "We need to rehabilitate the thinking of people like us."

Councillor Don Mitchell supported the resolution saying "we certainly all share the objective of achieving a barrier-free
society" however he was concerned that such legislation would require private homes be accessible.

Councillor Pat Perkins explained a group of advocates in favour of the ODA made a presentation to regional council where "it was made very clear to us this was in public access situations."

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The Windsor City Council has passed two resolutions calling for a strong Ontarians with Disabilities Act, one on June 30, 1997 and another on March 29, 1999. Here is the documentation of these which were provided to the ODA Committee:

THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF WINDSOR

OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK Phone: (519) 255-6212
CITY HALL 255-6215
WINDSOR, ONTARIO Fax: (519) 255-6868
N9A 6S1 E-Mail: clerks@city.windsor.on.ca

NOTICE OF COUNCIL DECISION

Windsor City Council adopted the following resolution at its meeting held June 30, 1997:

CR762/97
That the following resolution from WECAN (Windsor/Essex Community Advocacy Network) (Dean LaBute, Chairman) BE

ENDORSED:

WHEREAS persons with disabilities in Ontario continually face systemic barriers in access to employment, services, goods,
facilities and accommodations; and

WHEREAS all Ontarians with disabilities will benefit from the removal of these systemic barriers, thereby enabling them to
enjoy equal opportunity, full participation and increased quality of life in this Province; and

WHEREAS since 1995 persons with disabilities have been awaiting the enactment of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Province has yet to announce the date for the introduction of this legislation nor undertaken a process of public consultation
regarding this important issue; and

WHEREAS the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee has repeatedly requested a meeting with the Premier of Ontario to
work together to develop the legislation, with little success, even though delay in passage of this important Act only increases
the cost to society by excluding persons with disabilities from the mainstream of Ontario life, and denying them the opportunity
to Contribute to the Province;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Premier of Ontario be urged to keep his promise as set out in his letter to the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee dated May 24, 1995, by:

- Enacting an Ontarians with Disabilities Act within this current term of office;

- Agreeing to meet immediately and work together with members of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee and other
interested groups, in the development of this legislation;

- Developing strong and effective legislation that will achieve a barrier-free society for persons with disabilities by the year
2000 by requiring existing barriers to be identified and removed and ensuring that new barriers are prevented before they are
created;

AND FURTHER a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario; and Ontario
municipalities with a population of over 50,000 and to local members of provincial parliament for their support.THE CITY OF WINDSOR

COUNCIL SERVICES AND CITY CLERK Phone: (519) 255-6212
CITY HALL 255-6215
WINDSOR, ONTARIO Fax: (519) 255-6868
N9A 6S1 E-Mail: clerks@city.windsor.on.ca

NOTICE OF COUNCIL DECISION

Windsor City Council adopted the following resolution at its meeting held March 29, 1999:

CR336/99

That the position of the Windsor-Essex Community Advisory Group (WECAN) urging the Provincial Government to pass an effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act which will achieve a barrier-free society for persons with disabilities by the year 2000 BE SUPPORTED, and further, the Provincial Government BE PETITIONED to take immediate action on this request.

Carried.
GPL/3263 tl 13
Basis Report

Commissioner of Council Services and City Clerk
March 30, 1999

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Township of Chatsworth
A. Rosenburg, Clerk Administrator, Will Moore, Treasurer
R.R. 1, Chatsworth, Ontario NOH 1G0
Telephone 519-794-3232
Fax 519-794-4499

AND WHEREAS there is an urgent and pressing need for a new, strong and effective law to achieve a barrier free Ontario for people with disabilities;

AND WHEREAS Premier Harris promised in writing during the 1995 election to work together with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee to develop this new law, to be called the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and to pass it in his first term;

AND WHEREAS the Ontario Legislature unanimously passed a resohition on October 29, 1999 calling on the Government to make sure that this law is strong and effective, and embodies the 11 principles attached;

AND WHEREAS the Ontario Legislature also unanimously passed a resolution on November 23, 1999 which requires that a strong and effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act be enacted no later than two years from that date;

THEREFORE the Council of the Township of Chatsworth resolves that we support the goal of enacting new legislation and regulations with the aim of achieving the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of Ontario life by
creating a barrier free society, through the removal of all existing barriers and the prevention of new ones;

AND FURTHER that this resolution be circulated for support to the other Municipalities in Grey County, and to MPP Bill Murdoch, MPP Jim Wilson, and MPP David Tilson and A.M.O.

CARRIED
MAYOR, HOWARD GREIG

I, WILL MOORE, ASSISTANT CLERK ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF CHATSWORTH, HEREBY CERTIFY THAT TRE FOREGOING RESOLUTION #131/2000 IS A TRUE COPY OF THE RESOLUTION PASSED IN OPEN SESSION BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF CHATSWORTH ON THE 7th DAY OF JUNE 2000. DATED AT CHATSWORM THIS 8th DAY OF JUNE 2000. WILL MOORE Assistant Clerk AdministratorONTARIO LEGISLATURE OCTOBER 29, 1998 UNANIMOUS RESOLUTION ON THE ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

In the opinion of this House, since persons with disabilities in Ontario face systemic barriers in access to employment services,
goods, facilities and accommodation, and since all Ontarians will benefit from the removal of these barriers, thereby enabling these persons to enjoy equal opportunity and full participation in the life of the province; and since Premier Harris promised in writing during the last election in the letter from Michael D. Harris to the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee dated May 24, 1995 to:

a) enact an Ontarians with Disabilities Act within its current term of office, and

b) work together with members of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee, amongst others, in the development of such legislation.

and since this House unanimously passed a resolution on May 16, 1996 calling on the Ontario Government to keep this promise, Therefore this House resolves that the Ontarians with Disabilities Act should embody the following principles:

1. The purpose of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act should be to effectively ensure to persons with disabilities in Ontario the
equal opportunity to fully and meaningfully participate in all aspects of life in Ontario based on their individual merit by
removing existing barriers confronting them and by preventing the creation of new barriers. It should seek to achieve a barrier-free Ontario for persons with disabilities within as short a time as is reasonably possible, with implementation to
begin immediately upon proclamation.

2. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act's requirements should supersede all other legislation, regulations or policies which
either conflict with it or which provide lesser protections and entitlements to persons with disabilities;

3. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require government entities, public premises, companies and organizations to be made fully accesible to all persons with disabilities through the removal of existing barriers and the prevention of the creation of new barriers, within strict time frames to be prescribed in the legislation or regulations;

4. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require the providers of goods, services and facilities to the public to ensure that their goods, services and facilities are fully usable by persons with disabilities, and that they are designed to reasonably accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. Included among services, goods and facilities, among other things, are all aspects of education including primary, secondary and post-secondary education, as well as providers of transportation and communication facilities (to the extent that Ontario can regulate these) and public sector providers of information to the public e.g. governments. Providers of these goods, services and facilities should be required to devise and implement detailed plans to remove existing barrier within legislated timetables;

5. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require public and private sector employers to take proactive stops to achieve barrier-firm workplaces within prescribed time limits. Among other things, employers should be required to identify existing barriers which impede persons with disabilities, and then to devise and implement plans for the removal of these barriers, and for the prevention of new barriers in the workplace.

6. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should provide for a prompt and effective process for enforcement. It should not simply incorporate the existing procedures for filing discrimination complaints with the Ontario Human Rights Commission, as they are too slow and cumbersome, and yield inadequate remedies;

7. As part of its enforcement process, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act should provide for a process of regulation-making to define with clarity the steps required for compliance with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. It should be open for such regulations to be made on an industry-by-industry basis, or sector- by-sector basis, This should include a requirement that input be obtained from affected groups such as persons with disabilities, before such regulations are enacted. It should also provide persons with disabilities with the opportunity to apply to have regulations made in specific sectors of the economy;

8. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should also mandate the Government of Ontario to provide education and other information resources to companies, individuals and groups who seek to comply with the requirements of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act;

9. The Ontatians with Disabilities Act should also require the Government of Ontario to take affirmative steps to promote the development and distribution in Ontario of new adaptive technologies and services for persons with disabilities;

10. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require the provincial and municipal governments to make it a strict
condition of funding any program, or of purchasing any services, goods or facilities, that they be designed to be fully accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. Any grant or contact which does not so provide is void and unenforceable by the grant recipient or contractor with the government in question;

11. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act must be more than mere window dressing. It should contribute meaningfully to the improvement of the position of persons with disabilities in Ontario. It must have real force and effect.

 

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The City of Port Colborne passed a resolution supporting enactment
of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act on February 8, 1999. The
following is the text of the documentation we have received
regarding this.

City of Port Colborne
Date: February 8th, 1999

Moved by Councillor: Bea Kenny

Seconded by Councillor Gary Zruno (?)

Whereas Ontarians with disabilities face many barriers when they
seek to participate in all aspects of Ontario life;

And Whereas there is an urgent need for a new, strong and effective
law to acheive a barrier free Ontario for people with disabilities;

And Whereas Premier Harris promised in writing during the 1995
election to work together with the Ontarian with Disabilities Act Committee to
develop this new law, to be called the Ontarians with Disability Act, and
to pass it in his first term;

And Whereas the Ontario Legislature unanimously passed a resolution
on October 29, 1998, calling on the Government to make sure that
this law is strong and effective, and embodies the 11 principles set out in the
resolution, (attached to this petition), to make sure that the law
is strong and effective, not weak and window dressing;

Therefore the City of Port Colborne resolves that:

1. We support the goal of enacting new legislation and regulations
with the aim of achieving the full and equal participation of
persons with disabilities in all apects of Ontario life by creating
a barrier free society through the removal of all existing barriers
and the prevention of
new ones.

2. We will call on the Ontario Government jto enact a strong and
effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act in this term before calling an
election. The legislation shall fully comply with the unanimous
resolution of the Ontario Legislature passed on October 29, 1998.

The Legislation introduced in the first term, Bill 83, called the
Ontarians with Disabilities Act, is not acceptable since it does
not meet the requirements of the resolution and, in fact, does not require
single barrier to be removed, ever.

Sign by the Mayor, embosed, stamped City of Port Colborne Certified
True and Correct Copy and carrying the signed signature of the City
Clerk.

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The "City of Niagara Falls passed a resolution on January 18, 1999 calling
for the enactment of a strong and effective Ontarians with Disabilities
Act. We shall post the text of this resolution when we obtain it.

 

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We have been advised that the Limestone District School Board
passed the following resolution on February 10, 1999.

MOVED BY Trustee Parry, seconded by Trustee:

WHEREAS The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and
the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) are celebrating White Cane
Week '99 from February 7-13;

AND WHEREAS all over Canada, people who are blind and visually
impaired are taking on new roles and accepting new challenges;

AND WHEREAS as the people who are blind and visually impaired
become computer a engineers and defence attorneys, librarians and
school teachers, politicians and academics, they will indeed change
what it means to be blind, and show with their contributions to community
and country, and by the strength of their personal example,
that the old stereotypes of people with blindness and vision loss
no longer apply;

AND WHEREAS one of the many disabilities that inflicts the young
people in our community is visual impairment;

AND WHEREAS Ontarians with disabilities face many barriers when
they seek to participate in all aspects of Ontario life;

AND WHEREAS there is an urgent and pressing need for a new, strong
and effective law to achieve a barrier-free Ontario for people with disabilities;

AND WHEREAS Premier Harris promised in writing during the 1995
election to work together with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee to
develop this new law, to be called the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and to pass
it in his first term;

AND WHEREAS the Ontario Legislature unanimously passed a resolution
on October 29, 1998, calling on the Government of Ontario to make sure that this
law is strong and effective, and embodies the 11 principles set out in a resolution,
to make sure that this law is strong and effective, not weak and window dressing:

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Limestone District School
Board supports the goal of enacting new legislation and regulations with the aim of
achieving the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of
Ontario life by creating a barrier-free society through the removal of all existing barriers
and the prevention of new ones;

- and further -

That the Limestone District School Board call on the Ontario
Government to enact
a strong and effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act in this
term, before calling an
election. The legislation shall fully comply with the unanimous
resolution of the
Ontario Legislature passed on October 29, 1998.

- and further -

That Legislation introduced in the first term, Bill 83, called the
Ontarians with Disabilities Act, is not acceptable since it does not meet the
requirements of the resolution and, in fact, does not require a
single barrier to be removed, ever.

- and further -

That the funding formula for the public school system be adjusted
to allow for any additional expenses in that regard.

- and further -

That the above-noted resolution be forwarded to all school boards
in Ontario for their support, and to the Premier of Ontario.

Background Information

Ontario Legislature October 29, 1998 Unanimous Resolution on the
Ontarians with Disabilities Act

"In the opinion of this House, since persons with disabilities in
Ontario face systemic barriers in access to employment, services, goods,
facilities and accommodation; and since, all Ontarians will benefit from the
removal of these barriers, thereby enabling these persons to enjoy equal opportunity
and full participation in the life of the province; and since Premier Harris
promised in writing during the last election in the letter from Michael D.
Harris to the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee dated May 24, 1995 to:

a. Enact an Ontarians with Disabilities Act within its current term of office; and

b. Work together with members of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee,
amongst others, in the development of such legislation, and since this House
unanimously passed a resolution on May 16, 1996 calling on the Ontario Government
to keep this promise, therefore this House resolves that the Ontarians with Disabilities
Act should embody the following principles:

1. The purpose of the Ontarians with Disabilities
Act should be to effectively ensure to persons with disabilities in
Ontario the equal opportunity to fully and meaningfully participate in all
aspects of life in Ontario based on their individual merit, by removing
existing barriers confronting them and by preventing the creation of new
barriers. It should seek to achieve a barrier-free Ontario for persons
with disabilities within as short a time as is reasonably possible, with
implementation to begin immediately upon proclamation.

2. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act's requirements should supersede
all other legislation, regulations or policies which either conflict with
it, or which provide lesser protections and entitlements to persons
with disabilities.

3. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require government entities,
public premises, companies and organizations to be made fully accessible
to all persons with disabilities through the removal of existing barriers and the
prevention of the creation of new barriers, within strict time frames to be prescribed in the
legislation or regulations.

4. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require the providers of goods, services
and facilities to the public to ensure that their goods,
services and facilities are fully usable by persons with
disabilities, and that they are designed to reasonably accommodate the
needs of persons with disabilities. Included among
services, goods and facilities, among other things, are
all aspects of education including primary, secondary and post-secondary education, as well
as providers of transportation and communication facilities (to the extent
that Ontario can regulate these) and public sector providers of
information to the public, e.g. governments. Providers of these goods,
services and facilities should be required to devise and implement
detailed plans to remove existing barriers within legislated timetables.

5. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require public and private
sector employers to take proactive steps to achieve barrier-free
workplaces within prescribed time limits. Among other things, employers
should be required to identify existing barriers which impede persons with
disabilities, and then to devise and implement plans for removal of these barriers, and for the
prevention of new barriers in the workplace.

6. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should provide for a prompt and
effective process for enforcement. It should not simply
incorporate the existing procedures for filing discrimination complaints
with the Ontario Human Rights Commission, as these are too slow
and cumbersome, and yield inadequate remedies.

7. As part of its enforcement process, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act
should provide for a process of regulation-making to
define with clarity the steps required for compliance with the
Ontarians with Disabilities Act. It should be open for such regulations
to be made on an industry-by-industry basis, or sector-by-sector basis.
This should be a requirement that input be obtained from affected groups
such as persons with disabilities before such regulations are
enacted. It should also provide persons with disabilities with the
opportunity to apply to have regulations made in specific sectors of the economy.

8. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should also mandate the
Government of Ontario to provide education and other
information resources to companies, individuals and groups who seek
to comply with the requirements of the Ontarians with Disabilities
Act.

9. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should also
require the Government of Ontario to take affirmative steps to
promote thedevelopment and distribution in Ontario of new adaptive
technologies and services for persons with disabilities.

10. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require the provincial and
municipal governments to make it a strict condition of funding any
program, or of purchasing any services, goods or facilities, that they
be designed to be fully accessible to and usable by persons with
disabilities. Any grant or contract which does not so provide is void
and unenforceable by the grant-recipient or contractor with the
government in question.

11. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act must be more than mere window
dressing. It should contribute meaningfully to the improvement of the
position of persons with disabilities in Ontario. It must have real force
and effect.

 

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The Thunder Bay City Council passed a resolution on June 26, 2000
supporting enactment of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Here is the documentation concerning this.

********

The Honourable Helen Johns, P.C., M.P.P.
Minister of Citizenship, Culture, & Recreation
(and Seniors and Women)
6th Floor
400 University Avenue
Toronto ON M7A 2R9

Dear Madam:

Re. Ontarians with Disabilities Act

Please be advised that the following resolution was adopted by Committee of the Whole at its meeting held on June 19, 2000, and subsequently ratified by City Council on June 26, 2000.

"THAT the City of Thunder Bay supports the passing of an Ontarians ,with Disabilities Act and urges the Province to accelerate the passing of the Act;

AND THAT the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Minister of Citizenship, Culture & Recreation ? Ontario Advisory Council on Disability Issues, and local M.P.P.'s be advised accordingly."

Should you have any further questions relative to the above, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.

Yours very truly,

M. Elaine Bahlieda (Mrs.)
City Clerk

cc: Ms. Catherine Chandler, Executive Officer
Ontario Advisory Council on Disability Issues
Mayor Ken Boshcoff, President ? Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association
Mr. Michael Power, President ? Association of Municipalities of Ontario
Mr. Michael Gravelle, M.P.P., Thunder Bay Superior North
Mrs. Lyn McLeod, M.P.P., Thunder Bay ? Atikokan

 

___________________________________________________

 

Mayor Ken Boshcoff
City of Thunder Bay
500 Donald St. E.
Thunder Bay, Ontario P7E 5V3

Dear Mayor Boshcoff

As a means of establishing "next steps" for the Thunder Bay Fast
Forward> you recently met with representatives from agencies,
organizations and groups working with and for persons with all
types of disabilities and seniors. During discussion, the issue of
the critical need for a strong and effective Ontarians with
DisabilitiesAct was brought forward from all sectors. An O.D.A.
would benefit not only the 17% of Thunder Bay constituents that
have a disability and the 13% who are seniors, bL]t their families,
friends, co-workers and the entire community not only for the
residents, but as a regional hub and tourist destination.

The framework for an O.D.A., A Blueprint for a Strong and Effective
Ontarians with Disabilities Act was presented to the Ontario
government April 22, 1998. The Blueprint was prepared by the O.D.A.
Committee which is comprised of persons with disabilities, seniors,
families, over 300 agencies, organizations and groups and members
of the public from all geographic areas of Ontario. There have been
two community consultations on the proposed Ontarians with
Disabilities Act in Thunder Say; one with the Ontario government on
August 27,1998 and the second on March 9, 2000 hosted by Steve
Peters, M.P.P. Elgin-Middlesex-London - Disability Critic, Ontario
Liberal Party.

A position paper was collectively prepared and presented by persons
with disabilities, agencies and organizations on behalf of the
constituents of Thunder Say and the region at both of these
consultations. The August 1993 paper presented to the Ontario
government was also distributed to the Leaders of the Liberal Party
and New Democratic Party (in Ontario). The March 9, 2000 Paper
presented to the Ontario Liberal Party was forwarded to the Hon.
Helen Johns, Minister of Community and Social Services and the
Leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party.

The presentation paper in March was a revision of the August 1998
paper as the issues continue to be the same. The full paper is
available on www.tbaytel.net/pushnwo. Please note that on page 7
under Partnerships and Best Practices, the City of Thunder Bay and
the ThUnder Bay Chamber of Commerce are acknowledged for working
cooperatively towards an inclusive community. The Ontario
government is asked to demonstrate the same kind of commitment to
removing and preventing barriers to inclusion 2 for the 1.5 million persons
with disabilities in the province.

Thunder Bay constituents were very pleased with the positive
approach to the O.D.A. taken by you, Mayor Boshcoff, at the August
1998 consultation meeting and your statement regarding the goal of
making Thunder Bay inclusive for all constituents. This is
reflected in the Thunder Bay Fast Forward> Community Development
Plan which has garnered the strong commitment of many in the
community to collectively achieve this goal.

P.U.S.H. Northwest, as a cross-disability consumer organization and
the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee regional contact was
asked by the participants at the Thunder Bay Fast Forward> focus
group meetings, to write a letter to you and Council asking on
behalf of persons with disabilities, seniors, families, agencies,
organizations and~.others, for an endorsement of a resolution
urging the province to accelerate passing an Ontarians with
Disabilities Act. Should this resolution be passed by City Council,
we ask that this resolution be taken forward to the Northwestern
Ontario Municipal Association and the Association of Municipalities
of Ontario with the City of Thunder Bay being a role model in
supporting inclusion and, hopefully, inspiring other municipalities
to follow Thunder Bay's lead.

Attached, please find The Historical Development Towards an
Ontarians with Disabilities Act and a Summary of the O.D.A.
Committee's Proposals for the Contents of the Ontarians with
DisabilitieSACt for you information. Thank you for your attention
to this request and your anticipated cooperation.

Sincerely,

Marilyn Warf
Regional Director

cc. Members of Thunder Bay City Council
Thunder Bay Chapter members

 

 

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The City of Kitchener has passed a resolution supporting the
enactment of a strong and effective Ontarians with Disabilities
Act. Here is the letter which documents this important event.

DEPARTMENT OF CORPORATE SERVICES and CITY CLERK
ADMINISTRATION - CLERK'S DIVISION
City of Kitchener
Dianne Gilchrist Committee Administrator
200 King Street West
Kitchener, Ontario
Canada N2G 4G7
Phone: (519)741-2276
FAX: (519)741-2705

August 30, 2000

Mr. Brad Ullner, Chair
K-W Barrier Free Advisory Committee
c/o Independent Living Centre
3400 King St. E.
Kitchener ON N2A 4B2

Dear Mr. Ullner:

Please be advised that the Council of the Corporation of the City
of Kitchener at its meeting held on Monday August 28, 2000 passed
the following resolution, namely:

That the City of Kitchener supports the resolution of the
Kitchener-Waterloo Barrier Free Advisory Committee, as considered
by the Community Services Committee on August 21, 2000, urging the
Province of Ontario to enact a strong and effective
"Ontarians With Disabilities Act" during this term of government;

and further,

That this resolution be forwarded to the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario and the local Mpps.

Yours truly,

D. Gilchrist
Committee Administrator

cc: F. Pizzuto
M. Sanderson

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We are delighted to let you know that yet another city has passed
a resolution calling on the Ontario Government to enact the
Ontarians with Disabilities Act. On September 26, 2000, the
Kingston City Council did so. Here is correspondence from the City
to one of our kingston ODA Committee REgional contacts confirming
this, and a letter to the editor published in the Kingston Whig-
Standard announcing this to the public.

This shows yet again that the grass-roots support for a strong
Ontarians with Disabilities Act just keeps on growing.

*****

Kingston, Canada

2000 - 10 - 06

Mr. Paul Rushton
Kingston Ontarians With Disabilities Act Committee
#14-507 Days Road
Kingston, Ontario
K7M 3R6

Dear Mr. Rushton:

Re: Ontarian's Disabilities Act Committee - City of Kingston
Council Meeting No. 25 Held on September 26, 2000

This will confirm that City Council at its regular meeting held on
September 26, 2000 approved the following motion:

Moved by Councillor Jardine
Seconded by Controller Holmberg
WHEREAS Ontarians with disabilities face many barriers when they
seek to participate in all aspects of Ontario life;

AND WHEREAS there is an urgent and pressing need for a new, strong
and effective law to achieve a barrier free Ontario for people with
disabilities;

AND WHEREAS Premier Harris promised in writing during the 1995
election to work together with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act
Committee to develop this new law, to be called the Ontarians with
Disabilities Act, and to pass it in his first term;

AND WHEREAS the Ontario Legislature unanimously passed a
resolution on October 29, 1998 calling on the Government to make
sure that this law is strong and effective and embodies the 11
principles attached;

AND WHEREAS the Ontario Legislature also unanimously passed a
resolution on November 23, 1999 which requires that a strong and
effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act be enacted no later than
two years from that date;

THEREFORE the Council of the City of Kingston resolves that we
support the goal of enacting new legislation and
regulations with the aim of achieving the full and equal
participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of
Ontario life by creating a barrier free society through the removal
of all existing barriers and the prevention of new ones;

CARRIED.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Downs
Acting Director, Council Support & Communications

*****

Letter to the Editor in The Kingston Whig-Standard
October 7, 2000

On the 26th of September the Kingston City Council passed a
resolution supporting the requirement for a strong and effective
Ontarian's with Disabilities Act. The city has joined the
groundswell of more than 20 cities, municipal governments and
school boards in asking the Provincial Government to pass this
legislation which was promised in 1995 by Premier Harris.

On behalf of the Ontarians With Disabilities Act Kingston committee
I wish to thank city council for their support for this legislation
which affects so many organizations and people.
Paul Rushton
Chair
ODA Kingston Committee

 

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On October 2, 2000, the City of Guelph passed a resolution calling
for a strong and effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Here
is a letter to Premier Harris from the City of Guelph documenting
that this resolution was passed.

*****

October 4, 2000

Premier Mike Harris
Premier of Ontario
Room 281 Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto, On M7A 1A1

Dear Premier Haris:

At a meeting of Guelph City Council, held October 2, 2000, the
following resolution was passed:

"BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

1. That new Ontario legislation and regulations are required to
achieve the full and equal participation of persons with
disabilities in all aspects of Ontario life by creating a barrier
free society through the removal of existing barriers and the
prevention of new ones.

2. That the government of Ontario be urged to enact a strong and
effective Ontarians With Disabilities Act consistent with the
Ontario Legislature's unanimous October 29, 1998 and November 23,
1999 resolutions before November 23, 2001.

3. That the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Citizenship,
Culture and Recreation and regional MPPs be so advised.

AND THAT this resolution be circulated to the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario."

Yours sincerely,

Lois A. Giles
Director of Information Services/Clerk

cc: Mr. Peter Hicks, Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee
Hon. H. Johns, Minister of Citizenship, Culture & Recreation
Ms. B. Elliott, M.P.P.
Ms. Betty Richard, Special Needs Co-ordinator
Association of Municipalities of Ontario

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On October 2, 2000, the St. Thomas City Council passed a resolution
calling for a strong ODA. Here is the text of a letter from the
City confirming this.

*****

Peter J. Leack, M.P.A.
City Clerk
Corporation of the City of St. Thomas

October 5th, 2000

Mr. Tom McCallum
Elgin Association for Community Living
400 Talbot Street
St. Thomas, Ontario
N5P 1B8

Re: Ontarians with Disabilities Act

Dear Mr. McCallum:

Please be advised that the following resolution was passed at the
October 2nd, 2000 meeting of city council.

That we support the recommendations of the Ontarians with
Disabilities Act Committee, with regard to the following actions
being taken with respect to the Ontarians with Disabilities Act:

a) the goal of enacting new legislation and regulations with the
aim of achieving full and equal participation of persons with
disabilities in all aspects of Ontario life by creating a barrier
free society through the removal of all existing barriers and the
prevention of new ones BE SUPPORTED;

b) the Province of Ontario BE REQUESTED to work together with
members of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee, amongst
others, in the development and passage of such legislation in this
term of government;

c) the Provincial Legislature BE REQUESTED to enact legislation
that supports the vision and intent of the unanimous resolution of
the Ontario Legislature passed on October 29, 1998, which called
for legislation to provide persons with disabilities in Ontario the
opportunity to fully participate in life in Ontario; and

d) the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) BE
REQUESTED to support this resolution.

Should you require any further information please contact the
writer.

Sincerely,

P.J. Leack
City Clerk

c: Hon. Helen Johns, Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation
Mr. S. Peters, M.P.P. for Elgin
Mr. Michael Power, Association of Municipalities of Ontario

 

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The City of Burlington
passed a resolution calling for the enactment of an effective
Ontarians with Disabilities Act on February 5, 2001. Below is the
text of a letter to then Citizenship Minister Helen Johns from the
City of Burlington reporting on this, as well as the text of the
staff report from the City of Burlington to its city council, which
was considered before this vote.

*****

(905) 335-7600, ext. 7490
(905) 335-7881
bolognonej@city.burlington.on.ca

February 6, 2001

The Honourable Helen Johns
Minister of Citizenship, Culture & Recreation
400 University Avenue, 6th Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 2R9

Dear Helen Johns:

SUBJECT: Endorsation of a Resolution to Improve Access under the
Ontarians with Disabilities Act
File: 110-03

The Council of the Corporation of the City of Burlington, at its
regular meeting held on Monday, February 5, 2001, approved the
following recommendation, being Item No. CC-20-01:

THAT the following resolution be endorsed by Council:

"WHEREAS Ontarians with disabilities face many barriers in their
day-to-day lives in Ontario;

AND WHEREAS disabled Ontarians still do not enjoy a barrier-free
Ontario, which would permit them to participate in its daily
activities;

AND WHEREAS, in 1998, the Provincial Government declared its
intentions to enact legislation that would improve access for
disabled Ontarians;

THEREFORE be it resolved that the City of Burlington supports the
enactment of an effective Ontarians With Disabilities Act aimed at
removing existing barriers and preventing the creation of new
barriers."; and

THAT the City Clerk be directed to forward this resolution to Helen
Johns, the Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.

Enclosed is a copy of the staff report which prompted the above.

On behalf of Council, I would request your support of the
aforementioned recommendation.
Ontarians with Disabilities Act

If you have any questions in reference to the above, please do not
hesitate to contact Kelly Yerxa, City Solicitor, at 335-7600, ext.
7611.

Yours truly,

John Bolognone
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK

JB/jr
\corres\disabilitiesact
Enclosure

c. K. Yerxa, City Solicitor
Councillor Joan Lougheed, Ward 2
Marilyn Heintz - e:mail: m-and-m@sympatico.ca
David Poloski - e-mail: davisleopfsky@echo-on.net
Joan Tomblin - e-mail: joan.tomblin@sympatico.ca

*****

CITY OF BURLINGTON

CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION

LEGAL DEPARTMENT

L-9/01 January 16, 2001

Chairman and Members of the Community & Corporate Services
Committee

SUBJECT: Ontarians With Disabilities Act
File: 110-03

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Committee endorse the following resolution;

WHEREAS Ontarians with disabilities face many barriers in their
day-to- -day lives, in Ontario;

AND WHEREAS disabled Ontarians still do not enjoy a barrier-free
Ontario, which would permit them to participate in its daily
activities;

AND WHEREAS, in 1998, the Provincial Government declared its
intentions to enact legislation that would improve access for
disabled Ontarians;

THEREFORE be it resolved that the City of Burlington supports the
enactment of an effective Ontarians With Disabilities Act aimed at
removing existing barriers and preventing the creation of new
barriers;

AND That The City Clerk be directed to forward the Resolution to
Helen Johns, the Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.

BACKGROUND:

The Ontarians with Disabilities Committee contacted Councillor
Lougheed and as a result, a resolution was presented to the
Community Services Committee on November 21, 2000, and was
subsequently referred to staff.

"THAT the memorandum dated November 16th, 2000, from Councillor
Lougheed, seeking endorsement of a resolution dealing with the
Ontarians with Disabilities Act, be referred to the City
Solicitor for further review."

DISCUSSION:

On November 23rd 1998, the Provincial Government introduced the
Ontarians with Disabilities Act that subsequently died on the Order
Paper. Since then, the Provincial Government announced its
intention to continue to seek further advice and has not re-
introduced the Bill.

Recently, the Region of Halton Council passed a resolution
similar to the one presented to Committee in November, a copy of
which is attached as Appendix "A". In addition to the Region of
Halton, a number of municipalities, including those listed below,
have adopted similar resolutions.

City of Mississauga
City of Toronto
City of Niagara Falls
City of London; and the
Regional Municipality of Durham

The purpose of the resolutions is to encourage the Province to
introduce legislation that would make Ontario a "barrier-free
society" for people with disabilities.

CONCLUSION:

If Council is of the opinion that it would be appropriate to pass
such a resolution, the one set out in the Recommendation section of
this report will adequately express Council's support for
legislation, while at the same time, taking into account the
concerns raised during the discussion on November 21, 2000.

Respectfully submitted,

Kelly G. Yerxa
City Solicitor and Corporation Counsel

 

The REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO passed a
resolution calling for a strong Ontarians with Disabilities Act on
September 15, 2000. Here is the text of the correspondence
confirming this:

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERLOO
CORPORATE RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
150 Frederick Street
Kitchener, Ontario N2C 4J3
Office of the Regional Clerk
Evelyn L. Orth, CMO, CMC
Telephone: (519) 575-4410
Fax: (519) 575-4481

September 15, 2000
File: L 11-01

Honourable Mike D. Harris
Premier of Ontario
Room 281, Legislative Building
Toronto ON M7A 1A1

Dear Premier Harris:

Re: Need for the "Ontarians with Disabilities Act"

This is to inform you that the Council of the Regional
Municipality of Waterloo at its meeting of September 13th, 2000,
approved the following:

WHEREAS Ontarians with disabilities face many barriers when they
seek to participate in all aspects of Ontario life;

AND WHEREAS there is an urgent and pressing need for a new, strong
and effective law to achieve a barrier free Ontario for people with
disabilities;

AND WHEREAS Premier Harris promised in writing during the 1995
election to work together with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act
Committee to develop this new law, to be called the Ontarians with
Disabilities Act, and to pass it in his first term;

AND WHEREAS the Ontario Legislature unanimously passed a
resolution on October 29, 1998 calling on the Government to make
sure that this law is strong and effective and embodies the 11
principles set out in the resolution;

AND WHEREAS the Ontario Legislature also unanimously passed a
resolution on November 23, 1999 which requires that a strong and
effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act be enacted no later than
two years from that date;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, THAT the Regional Municipality of
Waterloo supports the goal of enacting new legislation and
regulations with the aim of achieving the full and equal
participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of
Ontario life by creating a barrier free society through the removal
of all existing barriers and the prevention of new ones;AND FURTHER calls
on the Ontario Government to enact a strong and
effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act in this term, before
calling an election, this legislation to fully comply with the
unanimous resolution of the Ontario Legislature passed on October
29, 1998.

Yours truly,

(Ms.) Evelyn L. Orth
Director, Council & Administrative
Services/Regional Clerk

cc: Area MPPs
Mr. G. Martiniuk, Cambridge
Mr. W. Wettlaufer, Kitchener Centre
Ms. E. Witmer, Kitchener-Waterloo North
Mr. T. Arnott, Waterloo-Wellington
B. Ullner, Chairperson, K-W Barrier Free Advisory Committee K.
Seiling - Regional Chair
G. A. Thompson - C.A.O.
C.P. Giller - Commisioner of Corporate Resources & Regional
Solicitor
M. Murray - Commissioner of Engineering
K. Noonan - Director of Facilities Management
Dr. H. Kassam, Commissioner of Community Health
L. Kotseff, Commissioner of Planning and Culture
Wm. Pyatt, Commissioner of Social Services

 

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On October 30, 2000, the Sarnia City Council passed a resolution
calling for a strong Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Here is the
text of correspondence from the Sarnia Regional Contact of the ODA
Committee to the City requesting this resolution, and of
correspondence from the City to Premier Harris confirming that the
item was passed.

*****

18 October 2000

Mayor Mike Bradley and
Council Members
Corporation of the City of Sarnia
255 N. Christina Street
Sarnia, Ontario

Dear Mayor Bradley and Councillors:

Enclosed for your perusal is a resolution for your consideration.
We would call upon the Council, of the City of Sarnia to express
its’ support and endorsement for the establishment of an
Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We would ask you as
representatives of the disabled within our community, and on behalf
of all citizens of Sarnia, to speak with one voice.

I am writing to you on behalf of Sarnia’s disabled community, in my
capacity as Region Contact, for the Ontarians with
Disabilities Act Committee.

Many of you, are aware of the issues and needs of our disabled
citizens, right here in Sarnia. There are in fact over 1.5
million disabled citizens in Ontario.

Many of you, have individually spoken of the need to improve the
accessibility, supports and opportunities for persons with
disabilities to participate independently and with dignity in all
facets of daily living in our society.

This will only be achieved if the historical barriers are
eliminated, or prevented, and effective supports including
service delivery are put in place, within the fabric of our
society.

In 1995 Mike Harris in writing, made a pre-election promise to
enact a strong, effective all-inclusive Ontarians with
Disabilites Act. Premier Mike Harris has failed to live up to that
promise. In fact, he is poised to bring forward a piece of cosmetic
legislation that will serve no purpose. In fact, as reported in a
Cabinet document, he has been advised that
Ontarians, simply do not care and will not raise their voices in
protest.

The ODA Committee with the support of individuals, and with the
support of Municipalities is disproving this claim.

With each passing day, Municipalities across Ontario are adopting
resolutions calling on the Government to fulfil their promise. That
is, to craft an appropriate piece of legislation as based on the
eleven principles passed unanimously in the Legislature even by
members of Premier Harris’ own caucus.

Respectfully, we would ask you to formally adopt this resolution
and so advise, Premier Harris.

Yours truly,

Gord Dingle
Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee
Sarnia-Lambton Region

*****

RESOLUTION

Whereas, Ontarians with disabilities face many barriers when they
seek to participate in all aspects of Ontario life;

And whereas there is an urgent and pressing need for a new, strong
and effective law to achieve a barrier free Ontario for people with
disabilities;

And whereas Premier Harris promised in writing during the 1995
election to work together with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act
Committee to develop this new law, to be called the Ontarians with
Disabilities Act, and to pass it in his first term,

And whereas the Ontario Legislature unanimously passed a
resolution on October 29, 1998, calling on the Government to make
sure that this law is strong and effective, and embodies the 11
principles set out in the resolution, (attached below) to make sure
that the law is strong and effective, not weak and window dressing,

And whereas the Ontario Legislature also unanimously passed a
resolution (based on the aforementioned 11 principles) on
November 23, 1999 which requires that a strong and effective
Ontarians with Disabilities Act be enacted no later than
two years from that date,

Therefore, the City of __________, Ontario this ________day
of___________, 2000 resolves that:

1. We support the goal of enacting new legislation and
regulations with the aim of achieving the full and equal
participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of
Ontario life by creating a barrier free society through the removal
of all existing barriers and the prevention of new ones.

2. We will call on the Ontario Goverment to enact a strong and
effective Ontarians with Disabilities Act no later than November
23, 2001. The legislation shall fully comply with the unanimous
resolution of the Ontario Legislature passed on October 29, 1998

3. The Legislation introduced by the Ontario Government in the fall
of 1998, Bill 83, called the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, is
not acceptable since it does not meet the requirements of the
Ontario Legislature's October 29, 1998 resolution.

ONTARIO LEGISLATURE OCTOBER 29, 1998 UNANIMOUS RESOLUTION ON THE
ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

In the opinion of this House, since persons with disabilities in
Ontario face systemic barriers in access to employment, services,
goods, facilities and accommodation; and since, all Ontarians will
benefit from the removal of these barriers, thereby enabling these
persons to enjoy equal opportunity and full participation in the
life of the province; and since Premier Harris promised in writing
during the last election in the letter from Michael D. Harris to
the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee dated May 24, 1995
to:

a) enact an Ontarians with Disabilities Act within its current term
of office; and

b) work together with members of the Ontarians with Disabilities
Act Committee, amongst others, in the development of such
legislation.

and since this House unanimously passed a resolution on May 16,
1996 calling on the Ontario Government to keep this promise,
Therefore this House resolves that the Ontarians with
Disabilities Act should embody the following principles:

1. The purpose of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act should be to
effectively ensure to persons with disabilities in Ontario the
equal opportunity to fully and meaningfully participate in all
aspects of life in Ontario based on their individual merit, by
removing existing barriers confronting them and by preventing the
creation of new barriers. It should seek to achieve a barrier-free
Ontario for persons with disabilities within as short a time as is
reasonably possible, with implementation to begin
immediately upon proclamation.

2. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act's requirements should
supersede all other legislation, regulations or policies which
either conflict with it, or which provide lesser protections and
entitlements to persons with disabilities;

3. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require government
entities, public premises, companies and organizations to be made
fully accessible to all persons with disabilities through the
removal of existing barriers and the prevention of the creation of
new barriers, within strict time frames to be prescribed in the
legislation or regulations;

4. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require the
providers of goods, services and facilities to the public to ensure
that their goods, services and facilities are fully usable by
persons with disabilities, and that they are designed to reasonably
accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. Included among
services, goods and facilities, among other
things, are all aspects of education including primary, secondary
and post-secondary education, as well as providers of
transportation and communication facilities (to the extent that
Ontario can regulate these) and public sector providers of
information to the public e.g. governments. Providers of these
goods, services and facilities should be required to devise and
implement detailed plans to remove existing barriers within
legislated timetables;

5. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require public and
private sector employers to take proactive steps to achieve
barrier-free workplaces within prescribed time limits. Among other
things, employers should be required to identify existing barriers
which impede persons with disabilities, and then to devise and
implement plans for the removal of these barriers, and for the
prevention of new barriers in the workplace;

6. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should provide for a prompt
and effective process for enforcement. It should not simply
incorporate the existing procedures for filing
discrimination complaints with the Ontario Human Rights
Commission, as these are too slow and cumbersome, and yield
inadequate remedies;

7. As part of its enforcement process, the Ontarians with
Disabilities Act should provide for a process of regulation-making
to define with clarity the steps required for compliance with the
Ontarians with Disabilities Act. It should be open for such
regulations to be made on an industry-by-industry basis, or sector-
by-sector basis. This should include a requirement that input be
obtained from affected groups such as persons with disabilities
before such regulations are enacted. It should also provide persons
with disabilities with the opportunity to apply to have regulations
made in specific sectors of the economy;

8. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should also mandate the
Government of Ontario to provide education and other information
resources to companies, individuals and groups who seek to comply
with the requirements of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act;

9. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should also require the
Government of Ontario to take affirmative steps to promote the
development and distribution in Ontario of new adaptive
technologies and services for persons with disabilities;

10. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act should require the
provincial and municipal governments to make it a strict
condition of funding any program, or of purchasing any services,
goods or facilities, that they be designed to be fully accessible
to and usable by persons with disabilities. Any grant or contract
which does not so provide is void and unenforceable by the grant-
recipient or contractor with the government in question;

11. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act must be more than mere
window dressing. It should contribute meaningfully to the
improvement of the position of persons with disabilities in
Ontario. It must have real force and effect.

*****

City of Sarnia
255 North Christina Street
P.O. Box 3018
Sarnia, Ontario N7T 7N2
City Clerk's Department
Telephone (519) 332-0330
Fax (519) 332-3995

November 7th, 2000

Hon. Mike Harris
Premier of Ontario
Rm. 281, Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto, ON M7A 1A1

Dear Sir:

Re: Ontarians with Disabilities Act

Sarnia City Council, at its meeting held on October 30th, 2000,
considered the attached correspondence, dated October 18th, 2000,
in the above matter. The following resolution was adopted:

THAT Sarnia City Council endorse the resolution set out in
correspondence dated October 18, 2000 from the Canadian Council of
the Blind, and send a letter strongly supporting its goal of
enacting new legislation and regulations.

Sarnia City Council would appreciate your favourable
consideration of its resolution.

Yours truly,

Margaret Watson
Deputy City Clerk

cc: R.E. Brooks
A. Tuplin

 

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On May 28, 2001, the City of Barrie passed a resolution calling for
the enactment of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Here is the
text of the letter sent to the ODA Committee from the City of
Barrie confirming this.

*****

The Corporation of the City of Barrie
City Clerk's Office
City Hall
70 Collier Street
P.O. Box 400
Barrie, Ontario
L4M 4T5
Tel. 705-739-4204
Fax 705-739-4243

Date: June 7, 2001
File: C10

Mr. David Lepofsky
Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee

Dear Mr. Lepofsky:

Council Resolution 01-G-192

This is to advise you that Council of the Corporation of the City
of Barrie adopted the following resolution at its meeting held on
May 28, 2001:

"01-G-192 Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee

WHEREAS Ontarians with disabilities face many barriers when they
seek to participate in all aspects of Ontario life;

AND WHEREAS the Provincial Government committed to work together
with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee to develop this
new law, to be called the Ontarians with Disabilities Act;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

1. That the City of Barrie supports the goal of enacting new
legislation and regulations with the aim of achieving the full and
equal participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of
Ontario life by creating a barrier free society
through the removal of all existing barriers and the prevention of
new ones.

2. That the City of Barrie calls on the Ontario Government to work
together with the members of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act
Committee, amongst others, in the development and passage of such
legislation.

3. That the City of Barrie calls on the Legislature to enact
legislation that supports the vision and intent of the unanimous
resolution of the Ontario Legislature of October 29, 1998, which
called for legislation to provide persons with disabilities in
Ontario the opportunity to fully participate in life in Ontario.

4. That the Ontario Government, the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario and the Ontarians with Disabilities Act
Committee be notified of this resolution. (File: C10)"

Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to
contact the undersigned at 739-4220, ext. 4420.

Yours truly,

Nina Brancaccio
City Clerk's Assistant

 

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On September 11, 2001 the City of Brockville passed a resolution supporting
enactment of the ODA. Here is documentation showing this.

*****

BROCKVILLE
CITY OF THE 1000 ISLANDS

September 18, 2001

Mr. David Green
P.O. Box 415
Brockville, ON
K6V 5V6

Dear Mr. Green:

We wish to advise you that Council of the City of Brockville at a meeting held
on September 11, 2001 endorsed the following
resolution:

CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM
MR. DAVID GREEN RESPECTING
ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Moved by: Councillor Huskinson

WHEREAS there are a considerable number of people in Ontario with disabilities
who face many barriers when they seek to participate in all aspects of Ontario
life; and

WHEREAS there is an urgent and pressing need for a new, strong and effective
law to achieve a barrier free Ontario for people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS it is difficult for many of those people to advocate for their rights
because of their disabilities; and

WHEREAS providing accessibility for people with disabilities on a volunteer
basis hasn't proven to work satisfactorily; and

WHEREAS Premier Harris promised in writing during the 1995 election campaign to
work together with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee to develop and
pass a new law to be known as the
Ontarians with Disabilities Act during the first term; and

WHEREAS the Ontario Legislature unanimously passed a resolution on October 29,
1998 calling on the Government to make sure that this law should be strong and
effective; and

WHEREAS the Ontario Legislature also unanimously passed a
resolution on November 23, 1999 that requires that a strong and effective
Ontarians with Disabilities Act be enacted no later than two years from that
date;

THEREFORE the Council of the City of Brockville resolves that they support the
goal of enacting this law to create a barrier free society, so that persons
with disabilities may be able to
participate in society the way that all others are able to do; and

FURTHER to this resolution the council strongly recommends that the Legislature
work closely with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee to make sure
that the new law is strong and effective and not just window dressing.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Yours truly,
Sandra M. Seale, AMCT Deputy Clerk

 

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On October 18, 2001, the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville passed a
resolution supporting the enactment of the ODA. The following documents this.

*****

UNITED COUNTIES OF LEEDS & GRENVILLE

STEPHEN J. FOURNIER, A.M.C.T
LESLEY A. TODD, C.M.O.
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
ACTING CLERK-TREASURER

32 WALL STREET,
BROCKVILLE, ONTARIO K6V 4R9
TEL. 342-3840/3848 FAX 342-2101

October 23, 2001

Mr. David W. Green
P.O. Box 415
Brockville, On
K6V 5V6

Dear Mr. Green:

We wish to thank you and Mr. McClintock for your presentation to Counties
Council on October 18th, 2001. At this Session, Council unanimously passed the
attached resolution.

We are forwarding a copy of this resolution to The Honourable M. D. Harris,
Premier of Ontario, and our local member of Parliament, Mr. Robert Runciman,
for their consideration.

Yours very truly

Original Signed By
Lesley A.Todd, CMO
Acting Clerk

LAT/be

Date: October 18th, 2001 Number_________ Clerk's No. 4 LS

Moved by: Mr. Scott
Seconded by: Ron Holman
WHEREAS there are a considerable number of people in Ontario with disabilities
who face many barriers when they seek to participate in all aspects of Ontario
life; and

WHEREAS there is an urgent and pressing I need for a new, strong and effective
law to achieve a barrier free Ontario for people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS it is difficult for many of these people to advocate for their rights
because of their disabilities; and

WHEREAS providing accessibility for people with disabilities on a volunteer
basis hasn't proven to work satisfactorily; and

WHEREAS Premier Harris promised in writing during the 1995 election campaign to
work together with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee to develop and
pass a new law to be known as the
Ontarians with Disabilities Act during the first term; and

WHEREAS the Ontario Legislature unanimously passed a resolution on October 29,
1998 calling on the Government to make sure that this law should be strong and
effective; and

WHEREAS the Ontario Legislature also unanimously passed a
resolution on November 23"', 1999 that requires that a strong and effective
Ontarians with Disabilities Act be enacted no later than two years from that
date;

THEREFORE the Council of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville resolves
that they support the goal of enacting this law to create a barrier free
society, so that persons with disabilities may be able to participate in
society the way that all others are able to do; and

FURTHER to this resolution the Council strongly recommends that the Legislature
work closely with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee to make sure
that the new law is strong and effective and not just window dressing.

Original signed by W. L. Thake

Warden
Carried

 

MUNICIPALITY OF MILTON PASSES RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A STRONG ODA

On October 29, 2001, the Town of Milton passed a resolution calling for a
strong ODA. Below is the correspondence from that municipality confirming
that this resolution was passed.

*****
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF MILTON
43 BROWN STREET
MILTON, ONTARIO
CANADA L9T 5H2

November 2, 2001

Milton Deaf Action Group
c/o Halton Regional Health Department
1151 Bronte Road
Oakville, ON L6M 3L1

Dear Ms. Sharp

RE: Resolution - Ontarians With Disabilities Act.

This letter is further to your correspondence dated October 15, 2001
requesting Milton Council to pass a resolution to endorse an "Ontarians
With
Disabilities Act." Please be advised that, at its meeting held on October
29, 2001, Council resolved the following:

Res. No. 291-01

Moved by Councillor J. Challinor Seconded by Councillor A. Melanson

THAT Milton Council approve the request of the Milton Deaf Action Group and
hereby endorse the a strong "Ontarians With Disabilities Act";

AND THAT a copy of this resolution, together with a Letter of Support be
forwarded to the Honourable Cam Jackson, Minister of Citizenship; Mr. David
Lepofsky, Chair, Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee; and Chairman
Joyce Savoline, Region of Halton.

CARRIED.

This office has forwarded a copy of the resolution to the parties named and
I trust this is satisfactory.

Yours truly

H. Lisi, Town Clerk
Town Clerk's Office
Executive Services Department

cc Hon. C. Jackson, Minister of Citizenship
Mr. D. Lopofsky, Chair, Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee
J. Savoline, Regional Chair, Region of Halton