From: Employment and Social Development Canada

Accessibility in Canada is about creating communities, workplaces and services that enable everyone to participate fully in society without barriers.

Today, according to results from the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability, more than 6 million Canadians aged 15 and over (22% of the population) identify as having a disability, and it is expected actual numbers are likely higher. Only 59% of Canadians with disabilities, aged 25 to 64, are employed compared to 80% of Canadians without disabilities. Persons with disabilities earn less than Canadians without disabilities (12% less for those with milder disabilities and 51% less for those with more severe disabilities), and are more likely to live in poverty.

The advocacy of disability stakeholders and organizations in Canada has been critical to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. The Government of Canada is building on this legacy to improve accessibility and promote inclusion for all Canadians.

By working together with provinces and territories and the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, the Government of Canada can work to ensure equality, inclusion and full participation in society for all Canadians.

With Bill C-81, the Accessible Canada Act: An Act to Ensure a Barrier-free Canada, the Government of Canada is fulfilling its mandate promise to introduce new accessibility legislation. The Government of Canada will continue to work with Canadians with disabilities across the country towards an accessible Canada.

Canada joined the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2010. The Convention protects and promotes the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities without discrimination and on an equal basis with others.

In December 2018, Canada also joined the Optional Protocol to the Convention. The Optional Protocol allows individuals and organizations to make a complaint to the UN if they believe their rights under the Convention have been violated.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol are available in American Sign Language and Langue des signes Québécoise.