Ontario’s former Lieutenant Governor, the Hon. David Onley, has been appointed as a special advisor to the Hon. Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure. In his role as Lieutenant Governor, Onley advocated for Ontario’s people with disabilities and fought to remove some of the physical barriers and obstacles to employment and housing experienced by the disabled.
Accessibility helps people achieve their full potential in every aspect of our culture and our economy
“I am honored to have this opportunity to improve accessibility in Ontario, especially as it relates to employment for people with disabilities, and to build on our reputation as a global leader in accessibility. Accessibility helps people achieve their full potential in every aspect of our culture and our economy,” Onley stated.
One in seven people in Ontario has a disability. That number is expected to rise to one in five by 2036, as the population ages. Barriers to accessibility go beyond physical barriers and also include technology, information, employment and attitudinal barriers. People with lived experience of mental health issues continue to experience additional barriers, including stigma, discrimination, social exclusion, lack of economic opportunities and homelessness.
As special advisor, Onley will work closely with the Minister Duguid to continue breaking down these barriers, to promote the economic benefits of inclusion and employment of people with disabilities, and to champion accessibility across the province. The 2005 Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure. The AODA aims to make Ontario accessible for people with disabilities by 2025.