Alberta government aiming to enhance accessibility through building standards
Under a new agreement, Alberta’s government and Accessibility Standards Canada will work closer together to improve accessibility and build more inclusive communities.
That according to the provincial government which says Albertans with disabilities deserve to have safe and reliable access to public buildings and spaces everywhere they go. To ensure safe and reliable access, government officials note it is critical that provincial and national partners work together to improve accessibility in Alberta communities. In order to collaborate and co-ordinate efforts to further develop accessibility standards for provincial building codes, Alberta’s government has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Accessibility Standards Canada.
“We are pleased to be working more closely with Accessibility Standards Canada to support our commitment to creating more accessible, inclusive communities,” says Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Accessibility standards in our building codes means greater accessibility in all our communities, and I’m grateful to our partners for helping us advance accessibility in Alberta.”
Accessibility Standards Canada is a federal organization responsible for developing standards, advancing accessibility research and sharing information about accessibility. Through this partnership, officials say Accessibility Standards Canada and Alberta’s government are better positioned to deliver on the mutual goal to improve accessibility in building development – whether that’s homes, community facilities or other buildings.