A Reflection on Canada’s 2025 National AccessAbility Week (NAAW)

During National AccessAbility Week, Canadians came together to celebrate the leadership of people with disabilities and the progress made under the theme “Breaking Barriers Together.” Yet, as the celebrations conclude, Accessibility for All (AfA) urges Canadians to reflect critically on the federal government’s recent actions—actions that risk reversing hard-won gains in accessibility and inclusion.

In May 2025, the federal government announced a streamlined cabinet restructuring aimed at improving efficiency. However, this reorganization came at a significant cost: the elimination of the ministerial role dedicated to persons with disabilities, a population that comprises over 27% of Canadians. This decision fragments responsibility for disability issues across multiple portfolios, weakening accountability and threatening to sideline the voices of more than 8 million Canadians with disabilities in national policy, budgeting, and decision-making.

Cabinet Restructuring and Its Consequences

The recent cabinet overhaul, while framed as a move toward greater governmental efficiency, has had troubling consequences for disability advocacy. By eliminating the dedicated ministerial role for persons with disabilities, the government has effectively diluted accountability and leadership on disability issues. This decision is not merely symbolic—it has real-world implications for how policies are shaped, how budgets are allocated, and how decisions are made that affect the lives of millions.

Disability-related responsibilities are now scattered across multiple ministries, creating a fragmented and inconsistent approach to inclusion. Without a central figure to champion disability rights at the federal level, the risk of oversight and marginalization grows. This structural change undermines Canada’s commitment to equity and inclusion, and it sends a disheartening message to the more than 8 million Canadians living with disabilities: that their needs are no longer a priority.

The Speech from the Throne and the Canada Disability Benefit

The 2025 Speech from the Throne was presented as a roadmap for building a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable Canada. However, for many Canadians with disabilities and seniors, the speech fell short. It lacked meaningful commitments to address the distinct and often complex challenges faced by these communities.

A central promise—the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)—was highlighted as a cornerstone of the government’s inclusion agenda. While the final regulations for the CDB were completed in March 2025, the benefit itself offers only $200 per month, beginning in July. This amount is far from sufficient to lift recipients out of poverty or to meet their basic needs. Moreover, the Throne Speech failed to outline a broader Disability Inclusion Plan, leaving critical gaps in areas such as accessible housing, employment, and portable support services.

This omission raises serious concerns about the government’s willingness to implement a truly coordinated and comprehensive approach to disability inclusion. Without a clear plan and adequate investment, the promise of equity remains unfulfilled.

Interprovincial Barriers and Economic Inclusion

Accessibility for All (AfA) urges the federal government to take immediate action to reinstate a dedicated minister for persons with disabilities and to ensure that the voices of Canadians with disabilities are meaningfully included in national policymaking. Addressing the diverse and unmet needs of this population requires a coordinated, whole-of-government approach.

As federal, provincial, and territorial governments work to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers, they must also seize this opportunity to dismantle outdated and discriminatory policies that restrict the mobility of Canadians with disabilities. These barriers prevent individuals from relocating to provinces with lower living costs, pursuing employment opportunities nationwide, or moving closer to family to reduce social isolation.

This lack of mobility not only limits personal freedom but also undermines economic participation. Canadians with disabilities, including those aging with disabilities and seniors aging into disability, deserve the same opportunities to contribute to the economy and live with dignity, regardless of where they reside.

A Call for Inclusive Innovation

Accessibility is not just a matter of equity—it is a catalyst for innovation, productivity, and economic growth. Research consistently shows that inclusive workplaces outperform their peers, benefiting from diverse perspectives and broader talent pools. A government committed to economic prosperity must recognize that accessibility is not a cost, but a strategic advantage.

The time for symbolic gestures and outdated policies has passed. Canada must move beyond fragmented efforts and embrace a bold, unified vision for disability inclusion. This means breaking down provincial silos, modernizing interprovincial policies, and implementing progressive, pan-Canadian strategies that empower all Canadians to participate fully in society and the economy.

We urge policymakers, civil society, and all Canadians to demand better. Let us work together to build a country where no one is left behind—not in policy, not in opportunity, and not in dignity.

For further information or to join us in this effort, please don’t hesitate to contact me or Susan directly.

Contact Info:

Susan Bazilli: sbazilli@gmail.com

Meenu Sikand: meenu.sikand@hotmail.com