Accessible Canada Act

This Act is to be construed as affecting the principle of universality of service under which members of the Canadian Forces must perform any functions that they may be required to perform. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act and its principles are also unaffected by this Act.

The Minister's mandate is to realize a Canada without barriers on or before January 1, 2040. They have powers to provide information, advice, and assistance in relation to matters relating to accessibility; promote, support, and conduct research into the identification and removal of barriers and the prevention of new barriers.

A Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization (CASDO) is established as an agent of Her Majesty in right of Canada, with a mandate to contribute to the realization of a Canada without barriers on or before January 1, 2040. The organization has powers to enter into contracts, agreements, or other arrangements; make grants and contributions; establish and register its own marks; license, sell, or otherwise make available any patent, copyright, industrial design, trademark, or other similar property right that it holds, controls, or administers.

The Minister may issue general directions to the CASDO respecting the carrying out of its mandate. The CASDO is to have a board of directors consisting of not more than 11 directors, including a Chair and a Vice-Chair. The directors are appointed by the Governor in Council for a term of not more than four years.

The Act also provides that certain physical and other qualifications are necessary for appointment under the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act or to prevent the establishment of requirements that are necessary to carry out functions and duties within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Overall, this Act establishes a framework for accessibility standards development in Canada, with the CASDO playing a key role in contributing to the realization of a Canada without barriers.