Cadieux will be Canada’s first Chief Accessibility Officer
BC Liberal MLA Stephanie Cadieux (Surrey-Panorama) announced on Monday that she will be resigning her seat in the Legislature at the end of April.
In a statement, Cadieux said: “I have been proud to serve the constituents of Surrey in Surrey-Panorama, Surrey-Cloverdale and most recently, Surrey South for the last 13 years. It is with gratitude that I reflect on what has been an immense honour, not only to serve my community as an MLA in both government and opposition, but also my Province as a member of cabinet. This role has been exciting, challenging, and exasperating, often at the same time, but I whole-heartedly believe in our democratic system, and in our collective ability to build a better tomorrow, step-by-step.
“I leave behind a record of service to my community and a legacy as the first woman with a disability to serve in the Legislature and executive council. I am happy to leave that legacy, with high hopes that I will have inspired others to public service.”
MEANWHILE, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, announced that Cadieux has been appointed as the first Chief Accessibility Officer (CAO) for a term of four years. This appointment will support the Government’s efforts to prevent and remove barriers to accessibility, and to increase opportunities for persons with disabilities to contribute to their communities and workplaces.
Serving as a special advisor to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, the CAO will provide advice on wide-ranging accessibility issues, and will monitor and report on progress made under the Accessible Canada Act. The CAO will provide an annual report to the Minister detailing outcomes achieved under the Act, as well as systemic and emerging accessibility issues. The Office of the CAO will be established as a trusted source of information on accessibility, with the CAO being responsible for promoting a positive and productive dialogue between the federal government, disability stakeholders, national and international organizations.
Gould said: “Stephanie Cadieux’s wealth of experience will be a tremendous asset to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion. With her support, the Government of Canada will continue to build an inclusive and barrier-free Canada where persons with disabilities have the right to greater equity in society, and to play a greater role in the economy.”
Cadieux has been a member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia since 2009. She was the Minister of Children and Family Development from 2012 to 2017, and between 2010 and 2012, held various positions, including Minister of Social Development; Minister of Labour, Citizens’ Services and Open Government; and Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.
Prior to her engagement in provincial politics, Cadieux was the director of marketing and public relations for the BC Paraplegic Association from 2004 until 2009. She was also the provincial peer coordinator for this organization from 2001 until 2004.
Cadieux is a member of the disability community, using a wheelchair since the age of 18.
