The Government of Saskatchewan is engaging the public to help create new accessibility legislation for the province and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
The Ministry of Social Services has launched an online engagement platform the public can find at www.saskatchewan.ca/accessiblesk to have their voices heard during this process. Online, they can find surveys, register for and attend an online discussion forum, access a discussion guide to fill in, share comments and ask questions. The first phase of engagement will run from February 4 to March 31, 2021.
The initial step in creating this legislation is developing an act, or written law that makes up the foundation of the legislation. This is what the first phase of engagement will focus on. After the act has been passed, government will continue to engage the public to develop regulations under the act.
“It is important for our province to be accessible and inclusive so people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate and contribute to our communities,” Social Services Minister Lori Carr said. “I encourage Saskatchewan residents to take part in the numerous opportunities available to engage in the development of this legislation.”
Almost a quarter of Saskatchewan people 15 years of age and older have a disability, and the number of people with disabilities in Saskatchewan increases every year. People with disabilities can face barriers to full access and participation in Saskatchewan communities.
The Saskatchewan Disability Strategy is the framework for improving the lives of people with disabilities in Saskatchewan. The strategy, which was released in June 2015, sets the vision of a Saskatchewan that is welcoming, responsive, innovative and accessible so people with disabilities can live the life they choose. Accessibility legislation is one of the recommendations of the Disability Strategy.
More information on the development of accessibility legislation and how to get involved can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/accessiblesk.
