New Standards Committees For Transportation, Customer Service Leading The Way

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is moving ahead on its plan to make Ontario an accessible province by 2025 for those living with a disability. Minister of Community and Social Services Sandra Pupatello today announced the development of two new provincewide committees that will work to develop new standards to improve accessibility across Ontario.

"Our plan is going to make Ontario a world leader in improving accessibility for people with disabilities," said Pupatello. "Each accessibility standard that we create will bring us closer to that goal, and will make it possible for people with disabilities to fully participate in the social and economic life of this province."

These two committees will work to develop proposed new accessibility standards for transportation and customer service. All of these new standards are being developed under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act to address barriers to accessibility that have a major impact on daily living for people with disabilities. Each standard is to be implemented within five years or less, leading to an accessible Ontario in 20 years.

"Accessible transportation is essential to daily living," said Minister of Transportation Harinder Takhar. "Strong transportation standards are critical to allowing people with disabilities to get to work, to school, to medical appointments and other essential daily activities."

"People with disabilities deserve the same level of customer service as everyone else – whether it is over-the-counter service or accessible menus in restaurants," said Gerry Phillips, Minister of Government Services. "Good customer service is good business, no matter who you're serving."

"Any changes that make Ontario accessible for people with disabilities are changes for the better," said Pupatello. "A barrier-free Ontario is a key part of our plan to build a stronger, more inclusive province for us all."