LOCATION: National
ISSUE/SOURCE: Accessible transportation
DATE: October 2024
SUGGESTED RESPONSES
- Transport Canada recognizes that significant advancements have been made towards improving accessible transportation, however, there is still room for improvement in all services, particularly in the air sector.
- Bill C-52 introduced a proposal for collecting and publishing accessibility complaints data. The absence of data limits Transport Canada’s ability to address systemic barriers. These provisions are intended to ensure a higher level of transparency for persons with disabilities and maximum accountability for operators in meeting their accessibility obligations.
- This year, Transport Canada hosted the first National Air Accessibility Summit, bringing together the aviation industry, the disability community, and government leaders to advance Canada’s shared mission towards collaboration and a consistent air travel experience for all.
- Transport Canada is working to improve accessibility in aviation by participating in the upcoming joint ICAO/ACI/IATA Symposium on Accessiblity in International Civil Aviation at ICAO in Montreal on December 2 and 3, 2024. This will build on Canada's commitments to an inclusive global aviation system, and by engaging with international partners, we aim to harmonize accessibility standards and solidify Canada's role in promoting inclusive air travel for persons with disabilities.
If Pressed
- Transport Canada continues to work towards eliminating barriers that negatively impact persons with disabilities. This effort aligns with the goals of the Accessible Canada Act, enacted in June 2019, which aims for a barrier-free Canada by 2040. This involves identifying, removing, and preventing barriers to accessibility.
- Transport Canada is working closely with the Canadian Transportation Agency on measures to improve accessibility in transportation for persons with disabilities, focusing on small service providers. This will ensure that more remote or rural communities have better access to barrier-free travel.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
- Sixty-three percent (63%) of the 2.2 million persons with disabilities who used federal regulated transportation in 2019 and 2020 faced a barrier. This often results in adverse consequences for persons with disabilities, including to their health, independence, and dignity.
- The number of Canadians with disabilities is on the rise. According to the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability, 8 million Canadians aged 15 years and older identified as having one or more disabilities that limited them in their daily activities. The rate of disability in Canada has increased by 5 percentage points since 2017, when 22% of Canadians, or 6.2 million people, had one or more disabilities.
- The Government of Canada held a National Air Accessibility Summit in Ottawa on May 9, 2024. This summit was co-hosted by the Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, and the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera. Outcomes emphasized collaborative measures, including a comprehensive national training program for airport staff, having airlines voluntarily report on accessibility data to better identify and address existing gaps in the system, and streamlining processes for a consistent air travel experience (e.g., frequently discussed was the streamline of a single medical intake form). Overall, the summit underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue between the government, airports, airlines, the disability community and other key industry stakeholders to make air travel accessible for all Canadians, and international visitors, with disabilities. The Government of Canada reaffirmed its commitment to leading the way in accessible transportation globally to ensure seamless air travel experiences for passengers with disabilities across international borders, and will continue to engage with international partners and counterparts towards the goal of barrier-free transportation.
- Phase II of the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations aims to expand on initial efforts started in June 2019, focusing beyond large service providers. The Canadian Transportation Agency is preparing for inclusive consultations, including with its Accessibility Advisory Committee and various stakeholders. This necessary step sets the stage for refining the regulatory proposal, [ Redacted ] , a timeline adjusted due to pandemic-related delays.
- Data collection and Bill C-52 is designed to improve the collection of data on accessible transportation. Currently, Transport Canada lacks specific data on accessibility complaints, which limits its ability to address barriers effectively. This Bill will require service providers to collect and share detailed accessibility data with Transport Canada and the Canadian Transportation Agency, improving transparency and accountability. This will help in evaluating the effectiveness of accessibility measures, resolving complaints, and demonstrating progress in making transportation more accessible for persons with disabilities.
- Internationally, at the G7 Minister’s Meeting on Transport, which was held April 11-13 in Italy, Canada underlined the need of making transportation accessible, affordable, and equitable for everyone, especially older adults, and persons with reduced mobility.
- In December 2024, ICAO, along with Airports Council International and the International Air Transport Association, will host the joint ICAO/ACI/IATA Symposium on Accessibility in International Civil Aviation in Montreal on December 2 and 3, 2024. Under the theme “Inclusive and Universally Accessible Air Transport for Persons with Disabilities and Reduced Mobility,” the symposium aims to improve air travel for individuals with disabilities. It will address challenges and promote collaboration among states, industry, and stakeholders to find effective accessibility solutions. An exhibition space will showcase practical solutions, and member states are encouraged to highlight their achievements and involve innovative partners, enhancing international recognition for accessibility initiatives. The event will benefit various aviation stakeholders, including border control authorities, airport operators, and advocacy groups.
- On June 3rd 2024, Minister Joly, Minister Rodriguez, ICAO President Sciacchitano and ICAO Secretary General Salazar affirmed their joint commitment to ICAO's crucial work on supporting the safe, secure and sustainable development of the international civil aviation sector. They agreed to closely collaborate in upholding the highest international standards while enhancing accessibility and environmental sustainability in aviation.