Accessibility Standards Canada and B.C. Collaborate on Accessible Building Codes and Standards

EIN Government of Canada Logo

July 6, 2022

Accessibility Standards Canada and British Columbia’s Ministry of Attorney General and Responsible for Housing have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to optimize efforts and resources dedicated to creating a barrier-free Canada. This MOU acknowledges a formal agreement to share information and harmonize accessibility standards related to building codes wherever possible.

The MOU is also expected to support, foster, and enhance the ability of both parties to collaborate and coordinate efforts in the area of building codes and standards. The aim is an inclusive, cohesive, and barrier-free British Columbia and Canada.

Harmonizing standards across federal, provincial, and territorial governments is especially important in this area. It will allow for a more uniform approach when accessing buildings and their amenities, including entrances and washrooms across the country.

Through this MOU, both parties agree to:

  • identify and coordinate priorities;
    conduct and share research products; and
    develop and propose accessibility standards related to building codes.

The national harmonization of standards carries benefits for all Canadians:

  • It increases the potential for a cohesive accessibility experience across Canada.
    It ensures that standards reflect the needs of people living with disabilities, regardless of jurisdiction.
    It promotes equity and consistency of accessibility for people with disabilities as they live, work, and travel in Canada.

Quick facts

  • The MOU validates a mutually beneficial working relationship between Accessibility Standards Canada and the British Columbia Ministry of Attorney General and Responsible for Housing. It acknowledges their complementary roles relating to accessibility standards and research.
  • The MOU focuses on developing a building accessibility standard. It will incorporate equity-based technical requirements that British Columbia can use as it works towards its mandate to update the British Columbia Building Code. Their aim is to make new buildings more accessible for all people.
  • Accessibility Standards Canada already has a technical committee working on a model standard for the built environment. The organization aims to publish the draft accessibility standard for public review in the spring of 2023.
  • Where possible, the harmonization of standards seeks to optimize everyone’s individual and collective objectives. Sharing knowledge and best practices reduces and eliminates the duplication of resources and efforts to benefit all Canadians.

Quotes

“I am proud of our work with the British Columbia’s Ministry of Attorney General and Responsible for Housing, as it will lead to better coordination and collaboration. By sharing accessibility best practices, specifically in the area of building codes and standards, the standards we develop will have a greater positive impact on the lives of all Canadians. Harmonizing standards ensures that the way people experience accessibility in Canada is consistent and seamless no matter where they are. We will continue to collaborate with other provinces and territories for the benefit of people living with disabilities, and all Canadians.”

Philip Rizcallah,
Chief Executive Officer, Accessibility Standards Canada

“The B.C. Government is committed to increasing accessibility to support all people in entering, exiting, and moving safely throughout buildings and public spaces in their communities. This Memorandum of Understanding will ensure coordinated efforts to achieve this goal provincially and nationally as we work to eliminate barriers to accessibility for all people living with disabilities.”

Dan Coulter,
Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility, British Columbia

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Hazardous Environment vs. Intrinsically Safe Sensors: Understanding the Differences

    Hazardous Environment vs. Intrinsically Safe Sensors: Understanding the Differences

    May 5, 2025 Sensors designed for industrial applications often face harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, high humidity, exposure to chemicals, and the presence of combustible gases or dust. Two common classifications for sensors used in such environments are hazardous environment sensors and intrinsically safe sensors. While they share some overlap, they serve different purposes and… Read More…

  • The Wild and Wonderful of Thermal by FLIR – How Thermal Imaging is Augmenting More Than Just Cameras

    The Wild and Wonderful of Thermal by FLIR – How Thermal Imaging is Augmenting More Than Just Cameras

    May 5, 2025 By Krystie Johnston Teledyne FLIR OEM launched their Thermal by FLIR about six years ago, to expand support for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who integrate FLIR thermal camera technology into their products. Since then, these collaborations have taken thermal into completely new spaces. Mike Walters, Vice President of Emerging Product Management at FLIR… Read More…

  • Ontario Leads Residential Sector Increase in February Construction Investment

    Ontario Leads Residential Sector Increase in February Construction Investment

    May 5, 2025 Overall, investment in building construction rose 1.5% (+$331.7 million) to $22.4 billion in February, with gains being recorded across all components. The residential sector increased 1.8% to $15.7 billion, while the non-residential sector was up 0.8% to $6.8 billion. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 8.9% in February. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction… Read More…

  • MCEE 2025 Marks Big Return to the Palais des congrès

    MCEE 2025 Marks Big Return to the Palais des congrès

    May 4, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada Canada’s largest Mechanical, Plumbing, Hydronics, HVAC, Electrical and Lighting Expo did not disappoint. On April 24-25, more than 6,000 attendees flocked to the Palais des congrès in the heart of Montreal to attend the Mechanical, Conditioning, Electrical, and Equipment (MCEE) trade show to see the latest products, learn about… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • City Electric Supply Bids Farewell to Vickey Mackay and Brian Doucette

    City Electric Supply Bids Farewell to Vickey Mackay and Brian Doucette

    May 5, 2025 After decades of leadership, City Electric Supply bid a warm farewell to two incredible branch managers in their Ottawa District — Vicky Mackay (Ottawa Central & Kemptville) and Brian Doucette (Pembroke). “Their dedication, leadership, and lasting impact will be felt for years to come,” said City Electric Supply on LinkedIn. City Electric Supply are also introducing… Read More…

  • 2025 Skills Ontario Competition & Career Exploration Showcase Highlights the Future Skilled Trade and Technology Workforce

    2025 Skills Ontario Competition & Career Exploration Showcase Highlights the Future Skilled Trade and Technology Workforce

    May 5, 2025 Canada’s largest skilled trades and technology conference, the Skills Ontario Competition, is back at the Toronto Congress Centre May 5th – May 6th. Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario, said Skills Ontario is changing lives and inspiring leaders through skilled trades and technologies through events like the Skills Ontario Competition. “We look forward… Read More…

  • Manitoba Government Honours Highest Achieving New Journeypersons

    Manitoba Government Honours Highest Achieving New Journeypersons

    May 4, 2025 The Manitoba government is proud to acknowledge the outstanding work and commitment of newly certified journeypersons, as well as recognize employers and their contributions to Manitoba’s skilled trades, Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses announced last night at the Legislative Building during the 33rd annual Apprenticeship Highest Achievement Awards… Read More…

  • Acuity Acquires Sports Lighting Startup M3 Innovation

    Acuity Acquires Sports Lighting Startup M3 Innovation

    May 4, 2025  Acuity Inc. has acquired the business assets of M3 Innovation, LLC, a sports lighting startup that uses innovative technology to lower the overall cost of the installation and operation of sports lighting solutions.   The acquisition has already closed, and the solution is now part of the Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) business portfolio. M3 Innovation’s products and innovative technology will be available through Acuity’s independent sales network as part of their Lithonia Lighting® brand and through direct sales and utility channels as part of their Holophane® brand.   “We are excited to welcome M3 Innovation to ABL. The founders are thought… Read More…