This submission is provided by the Accessibility Commissioner in response to a request by the Review Panel on the Lack of Accessible Housing in Canada. This review panel hearing comes at a pivotal moment, as governments are planning generational investments in housing.
Christopher T. Sutton, Accessibility Commissioner of Canada released his 2025–2026 Annual Report, “Promoting a Barrier-Free Canada”, following its tabling in Parliament.
To mark the launch of National AccessAbility Week, Christopher T. Sutton, Accessibility Commissioner, Charlotte-Anne Malischewski, Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, and Marie-Josée Houle, Federal Housing Advocate, issue the following statement.
Why accessibility is the missing link in equity, inclusion, and communication access
This year marked a significant milestone on our journey to building a barrier-free Canada. For the first time, all federally regulated and government organizations were required to publish either an accessibility plan or a progress report.
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 is pleased to announce Dianna Scarth will serve as Interim Accessibility Commissioner for 90 days, effective February 24, 2025.