Announcements
Abilities Magazine
| February 22nd, 2004 | |
The ForumOntario Ministry Of CitizenshipSummer 2002. Issue 51: p. 35 Forumby Hon. Carl DeFaria Dear Friends, Someone once said that while there are countless ways of moving forward, there is only one way of standing still. When Premier Eves honoured me with the job as Minister of Citizenship on April 15, it occurred to me that this thought may have crossed the mind of my predecessor, the Honourable Cam Jackson, when he tabled the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001, last November. As many of you may know, Minister Jackson and Ministry of Citizenship staff consulted extensively with stakeholders from across Ontario before the Minister brought forth the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001, last November. I believe the approach we have chosen to make Ontario accessible is a product of this consultation and is the most practical way to achieve the goal of an accessible Ontario. Although our objective is ambitious, I believe that it is achievable with the support of all Ontarians and with the continued conviction of our partners. Accessibility is everybody�s business, and our legislation provides the means to involve all stakeholders 3/4 municipalities, government ministries, school boards, colleges and universities, hospitals and the disability community, to name some. Fortunately, we have a solid foundation on which to build. Our government commits billions of dollars annually to a wide range of programs and services for people with disabilities. Three innovative projects are profiled on the next two pages. We have supportive, committed and hard-working partners from both the private and public sectors, and we have a strong Human Rights Code, which provides all Ontarians with protection from discrimination. And, we have the will and commitment of our government to make change happen. Yet, there is more to be done. A major key to our success will be at the municipal level. We have a vision of a province where people with disabilities can get into and around their community safely. The freedom to get into the local library or recreation centre. To attend and participate in town council meetings. The freedom to go to the local mall, eat in a restaurant, or to get a job that nurtures their skills. This government made a commitment to Ontarians to work steadily toward an Ontario in which no new barriers to persons with disabilities are created, and old ones are removed. I can state without hesitation that I personally remain committed to this goal. Sincerely, Carl DeFaria Minister of Citizenship
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