Human Resources Legislative Update
Federal Accessibility Legislation Now Passed
Date: July 11, 2019
On June 21, 2019, Bill C-81, the Accessible Canada Act (Act) passed as amended by the Senate and received Royal Assent. The provisions of this Act come into force on a day to fixed by order of the Governor in Council.
As we previously reported, the Act is accessibility legislation which impacts certain federally regulated employers. Its stated purpose is to benefit all persons, especially persons with disabilities, with a “Canada without barriers” in specified areas, including employment and the built environment.
Among other things, the Act establishes the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization. Its mandate includes developing accessibility standards which set out how organizations can identify, remove and prevent barriers, and making recommendations on the standards to the Minister. The accessibility standards will be established by regulation.
We will continue to monitor further developments under the Act and provide further updates.
Editor’s Note: The Accessible Canada Act was proclaimed into force effective July 11, 2019.
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