Newfoundland and Labrador Accessibility Act

The Newfoundland and Labrador Accessibility Act was an act introduced under the Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development[1] which became law on December 3, 2021.[2] One of the key elements of the act is the creation of an Accessibility Standards Advisory Board.[3] The act also creates a Disability Policy Office which works with all government departments and agencies.[4][5]

The Bill is intended to:

• Establish accessibility standards to improve accessibility;
• Create an advisory board to make recommendations to the minister regarding accessibility standards;
• Require an individual, organization or public body that is subject to an accessibility standard to take actions to prevent barriers from being created and to identify and remove barriers;
• Ensure public bodies prepare accessibility plans every three years and make them publicly available; and
• Provide inspection and enforcement to enforce these standards.[6]

The Disability Policy Office will:

• Support the implementation and administration of this Act and the regulations;
• Provide policy and communication support[7] for this Act and the regulations;
• Support the development and implementation of public education and awareness on the purpose of this Act.
• Improve opportunities for persons with disabilities by examining and reviewing measures, policies, practices and other requirements;
• Identify and study issues of concern to persons with disabilities and recommend action where appropriate; and
• Provide administrative support for the Accessibility Standards Advisory Board.