Alberta Urgently Needs Accessibility Legislation

Alberta is one of the last provinces in Canada that DOES NOT have an Accessibility Act

Send a clear message to our provincial leaders: Alberta needs strong and effective accessibility legislation. The Government of Alberta must pass accessibility legislation to make our province more accessible and improve quality of life for people with disabilities.

Other provinces across Canada have shown that implementing accessibility legislation is essential to ensure all citizens, regardless of ability, can fully participate in every facet of life.

The time to act is now. We hope the government will take meaningful steps to ensure Alberta’s commitment to accessibility is reflected in enforceable legislation. Here is a sample letter to send.

Dear recipient’s full name goes here,
I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to implement Accessibility Legislation in Alberta. On September 28, 2024, rallies were held in Edmonton and Calgary, where people with disabilities, advocates, and allies came together with one clear message: Alberta must prioritize accessibility as a fundamental right. From those who spoke and attended, it is evident that legislation is not only overdue but sorely needed to dismantle the barriers that continue to prevent full participation in society for thousands of Albertans.

Alberta remains one of only two provinces in Canada without accessibility legislation—a reality that places us at a critical disadvantage compared to provinces that have taken proactive steps to ensure equal opportunities and access for all. This gap has significant, tangible impacts: individuals with disabilities in Alberta face daily obstacles that restrict access to essential services, fair housing, and even basic physical spaces. Consider the struggles of navigating buildings that lack ramps or elevators, the inaccessibility of health care and legal services without ASL (American Sign Language) interpreters, or the limited availability of affordable, accessible housing that upholds people’s rights to live independently and with dignity.

This is not simply a matter of convenience; it is a question of equity and justice. Other provinces have proven that comprehensive accessibility standards—paired with clear timelines and enforcement measures—can yield profound improvements in people’s quality of life. Alberta’s lack of similar legislation sends a disheartening message to its residents with disabilities: that their rights, safety, and well-being are secondary. This must change.

The momentum generated by the recent rallies is a call to action that cannot be ignored. People across Alberta are asking for your leadership in turning this call into concrete legislative action. I implore you to advocate for Accessibility Legislation that ensures universal design, fair housing, accessible communication, and equitable access to services for all Albertans.

Please be the change that so many in our province need, and lead Alberta forward to become a place that values inclusion, equity, and the dignity of every resident. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter, and I look forward to your support in advancing Accessibility Legislation for Alberta.

Sincerely,

supporter’s full name goes here
supporter’s email goes here, supporter’s location goes here

As you probably already know, the Canada Disability Benefit falls short of lifting people out of poverty.

The Canada Disability Benefit payments need to be increased. Watch this video to understand more about what we expect of the Canada Disability Benefit. This link will take you to the video: https://youtu.be/4GW08_xGOgY
Write your MP and let them know you want real support for people with disabilities living in poverty. This link will take you to the letter: https://www.fundthebenefit.ca/take-action

Thanks for continuing to work towards an accessible Canada.