The Canadian public service is adding two key positions to support the mandate of the Accessible Canada Act. Applications are invited for the Governor-in-Council appointments within the Canadian Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of Employment and Social Development until June 28.

“The Accessibility Commissioner and the Chief Accessibility Officer will play an essential role in creating a barrier-free and inclusive Canada,” says Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion. “We know there are many diverse and talented individuals in this country who are perfectly suited for these roles, so we strongly encourage all interested and qualified Canadians to apply.”

The Accessibility Commissioner will lead a new accessibility unit within the Canadian Human Rights Commission, and provide leadership and direction for the administration and enforcement of the Accessible Canada Act and its regulations. The Chief Accessibility Officer will be a special adviser to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, responsible for monitoring and reporting on the outcomes of the Accessible Canada Act.

The Act, which came into force in July 2019, covers seven priority areas: employment; the built environment; communication; information and communication technologies; the procurement of goods, services and facilities; and the design and delivery of programs and services and transportation.