Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Human Rights Commission
The Canadian Human Rights Commission is pleased to welcome Christopher T. Sutton as the new Accessibility Commissioner. Mr. Sutton was appointed to the role by Order in Council for a term of 7 years, starting on May 5, 2025. The Accessibility Commissioner is a full-time member of the Canadian Human Rights Commission and is responsible for leading the administration and enforcement of the Accessible Canada Act and its regulations.
Mr. Sutton has long been a champion for accessibility as a fundamental human right in Canada, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to his work.
Before joining the Commission, Mr. Sutton served as Chief Executive Officer of the Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility, where he led innovative efforts in hearing healthcare, accessible communication, and inclusive technology solutions. Under his leadership, Wavefront Centre significantly expanded its programs and services, strengthened strategic relationships, and emerged as a national leader in communications accessibility.
As a recognized thought leader in inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, Mr. Sutton has held leadership roles in the not-for-profit, public, and start-up sectors across Canada and the United States. He has worked closely with disability communities to help ensure accessibility policies are intersectional and inclusive, and has played a key role in shaping federal and provincial accessibility legislation, including the Accessible Canada Act and the Accessible British Columbia Act.
Originally from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Mr. Sutton holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Gallaudet University and an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University.
The Canadian Human Rights Commission looks forward to working with Mr. Sutton as it continues its efforts to advance accessibility and equality for everyone in Canada.
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Helpful links
- Canadian Human Rights Commission’s decision-making team
- About the Commission
- Accessible Canada Act responsibilities
Media Contacts
Media Relations
613-943-9118
communications@chrc-ccdp.gc.ca