Advocates say Ontario will not meet accessibility requirements without enforcement

Toronto CityNews, Dilshad Burman, August 21, 2024
We’re reliant on people’s goodwill: Advocates say Ontario will not meet accessibility requirements without enforcement PROVINCE THE SAME AS EVERYBODY ELSE.

As the 20-year deadline for compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act looms, advocates weigh in about its failings and what needs to change to make it effective. On June 13, 2005, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was passed unanimously with a 20-year timeline to make Ontario fully accessible with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises on or before January 1, 2025.

CityNews reached out to Minister for Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho to ask about the progress Ontario has made and his thoughts on the looming AODA deadline. In response, the minister’s communications director Wallace Pidgeon provided the following statement:
Since 2018, Ontario has been achieving, meeting and exceeding AODA standards. Community by community, project by project we are making Ontario more accessible each and every day.