Public bodies face new duties
The organizations included schools, universities, libraries and municipalities. Parliamentary secretary Dan Coulter said: “For too long, people with disabilities have had to live with too many barriers”. The province allocated three million Canadian dollars over three years to support the planning work, administered by DABC. [1]
Essential services outside the rules
DABC wanted the planning and feedback requirements extended to private businesses. Its statement pointed to grocery stores, pharmacies, shopping malls, taxis and private bus services as essential parts of daily life. Welcoming public-sector obligations did not resolve barriers in those services. [2]
Plans need resources to become changes
In a summer 2023 update, DABC executive director Helaine Boyd described workshops and an accessibility toolkit developed with disabled people and public organizations. She also explained that the funding supported planning, rather than directly financing physical improvements. DABC called for resources to help organizations carry out their plans. [3]