Praxis CEO Bill Barrable Talks About the Significance of the New Accessible British Columbia Act

On 28th April, 2021 the Honourable Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, and Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack and Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility, introduced the “Accessible British Columbia Act” that aims to eliminate barriers, enhance inclusion, and create better opportunities for people with disabilities, including people with spinal cord injury.

At Praxis, we celebrate the introduction of the Accessible British Columbia Act brought forward by the Honourable Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, and Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack and Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility. Our organization is dedicated to engaging people with spinal cord injury in all of our work. The meaningful involvement of people with disabilities in developing this legislation is another important step in ensuring a barrier-free BC for all. Our province is a leader in accessibility and inclusivity thanks to our government’s innovative leadership and the incredible work of partner organizations such as Spinal Cord Injury BC and the Rick Hansen Foundation. This important piece of legislation will impact those with disabilities, including the 12,000 British Columbians living with a spinal cord injury, with meaningful access to employment, delivery of services and housing. ”

Bill Barrable, CEO Praxis Spinal Cord Institute

Why the Accessible BC Act is Important

Quick facts:

  • BC is the largest province (by population) in Canada that has not passed comprehensive accessibility legislation
  • In 2017, there were an estimated 926,100 British Columbians (over 20% of the population) who reported having a disability
  • People with disabilities are twice as likely to live in poverty

A Greeting by the Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility

Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021SDPR0033-000771

Learn about the Accessible Canada Act available on the Government of Canada’s website: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/accessible-people-disabilities/act-summary.html