Why accessibility is the missing link in equity, inclusion, and communication access
On National Housing Day, the Federal Housing Advocate and Canada’s Accessibility Commissioner call for urgent action to ensure that every person in Canada — regardless of who they are, their background, or their ability — has access to affordable and accessible housing.
The Canadian Human Rights Commission and the Office of the Federal Housing Advocate have collaborated to monitor the right to adequate housing for people with disabilities in Canada.
Accessible housing is about all of us. Over 8 million Canadians live with a disability and that number will only grow as our population ages. Accessible housing is a moral and pragmatic imperative. This national building plan can do both: meet the urgency of this moment and fulfill Canada’s human rights obligations.
Today, Canada’s Federal Housing Advocate, Marie-Josée Houle, asked the National Housing Council to launch a review panel to examine the lack of accessible housing across Canada.
To mark the launch of National AccessAbility Week, Christopher T. Sutton, Accessibility Commissioner, and Charlotte-Anne Malischewski, Interim Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, issue the following statement:
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.
The Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) is Canada's national human rights institution. We promote, monitor and protect human rights in Canada. We are also responsible for monitoring Canada's implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The Canadian Human Rights Commission is pleased to announce Dianna Scarth will serve as Interim Accessibility Commissioner for 90 days, effective February 24, 2025.