Government of Canada announces appointments to the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization

Accessibility in Canada is about creating communities, workplaces and services that enable everyone to participate fully in society without barriers. The Government of Canada believes that all Canadians deserve the same opportunities and chances at success.

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility, today announced the appointments of Philip Rizcallah as Chief Executive Officer, Paul‑Claude Bérubé as Chair, and Mary Reid as Vice‑Chair of the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization (CASDO). Eight members of the board of directors were also named today. All appointments will be effective August 26, 2019.

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for setting strategic direction and overseeing the activities of CASDO. In the mandate letter, Minister Qualtrough provided guidance to the Chair of the Board of Directors on the priorities for the organization.

CASDO is a new organization, established by the Accessible Canada Act. It is led by a board of directors, comprised of a majority of persons with disabilities and will develop accessibility standards for the federal jurisdiction, in collaboration with industry and the disability community.

These appointments were made under the Government of Canada's new approach to Governor in Council appointments. This approach supports open, transparent and merit-based selection processes that strive for gender parity and reflect Canada's diversity, to support Ministers in making appointment recommendations for positions within their portfolio by providing them with information and referrals.

Quotes

“I am very pleased to announce 11 appointments to the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization. Their individual and collective depth of knowledge and their extensive experience in the areas of accessibility, social change, human rights and inclusion advocacy will be a great asset to the organization. This step is an important milestone, bringing us closer to our ultimate goal: an accessible and inclusive Canada”
– The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility

Quick facts

• The Accessible Canada Act was developed following the most inclusive and accessible consultations with the disability community in our country’s history. More than 100 accessibility organizations and 6,000 Canadians shared their views and ideas about an accessible Canada.

• Bill C-81, the Accessible Canada Act received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019 and came into force on July 11, 2019.

Contacts

For media enquiries, please contact:

Marielle Hossack
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough
819-956-3239
marielle.hossack@canada.ca
 

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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