Federal Accessibility Legislation Alliance

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Many people with and without disabilities in a park setting.
 

FALA Presents to SOCI Senate Standing Committee

Watch the FALA presentation to the SOCI Senate Standing Committee, along with ARCH Disability Law Centre and the Council of Canadians with Disabilities.
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Apply for New Accessible Canada Act Positions

Find out about the five Notices of Opportunities for anticipatory Governor in Council appointments that may be of interest to you or those in your network. These positions relate to the Government of Canada’s proposed Accessible Canada Act (Bill C-81). Apply now. The Deadline is April 29/19 [CHANGE IN DEADLINE DATE]
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FALA Urges Senate Passage of Historic Bill C-81

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TORONTO, March 21, 2019 – An alliance of 90 disability-related organizations wants the Senate to pass historic legislation that would require organizations under federal jurisdiction to ensure barrier free access to work places, public spaces, employment, programs, services and information. The Federal Accessibility Legislation Alliance (FALA), which has helped galvanize the country’s disability community into a formidable voice for a barrier-free Canada, has played a significant role in the shaping of Bill C-81. The bill, which will be known as the Accessible Canada Act once it becomes law, unanimously passed Third Reading in the House of Commons last November. In the Senate, Bill C-81 passed Second Reading earlier this month and has been referred to the Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. Once the committee concludes its deliberations, the bill with recommended improvements will come before the full Senate for Third Reading.
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Back in Ottawa Visiting the Senate

February 19-22 the FALA Leadership Team was in Ottawa. We met with ten senators, Minister Qualtrough and the Accessibility Secretariat to discuss our 11 recommendations. These recommendations were developed with our 89 partners and 90 members, working towards our goal of a strong and effective Accessible Canada Act. We had the chance to be in the Senate Gallery to witness Senator Munson introduce Bill C-81 by delivering his Second Reading speech. It was a really good one. Don’t take our word for it… read it yourself. And thereafter began the Second Reading debate.
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Senate Draft Recommendations Review

Partners and members of the Federal Accessibility Legislation Alliance are taking part in reviewing draft recommendations for the Senate. There are 11 recommendations being put forth. We are working on a tight timeline and we are eager to hear from all who want to participate in the process. We are wrapping this process up by Feb 6 so if you want to get involved sign up today: https://www.include-me.ca/join-us
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Bill C-81 Watch

Royal Assent
The Governor General gives Royal Assent to the bill, after which it becomes known as an Act. The Act is printed and made publicly available.
Senate
The Senate discusses and approves a bill that has passed the House in much the same way that the House did (i.e. three readings, plus a committee and report stage between second and third reading). After the Senate passes the bill, it lets the House know this. The bill is now ready for Royal Assent.
Third Reading Stage
A Minister moves a motion to give the bill third reading. This motion, which is sometimes debated during report stage, allows MPs to discuss the final form of the bill and decide whether it should be adopted; the bill cannot be amended at this stage. If the bill receives third reading, it has passed the House and it is then given to the Senate for its separate approval.
Report Stage
MPs discuss the version of the bill that was reported to the House by a committee, and even move amendments to it. The House then votes on whether to concur in the bill.
Committee Stage
A committee of MPs hears from the Minister, experts and individuals (speaking for themselves or an organization) wanting to make a presentation to the committee about the bill; they also answer MPs’ questions. After it has heard enough witnesses, the committee discusses and votes on each section of the bill; in doing so, it can amend the bill. At the end of this stage, the committee decides whether to adopt the bill (with or without amendment) and report it to the House. BA bill that is amended in committee is reprinted.
Second Reading Stage
A Minister moves a motion to give the bill second reading, and to send it to a committee of MPs so that it can be studied in more detail. This motion allows MPs to discuss the principle of the bill (i.e. whether it is a good idea), but not to amend it. At the end of this discussion, MPs vote on the motion. If a majority of MPs votes in favour of the motion, the bill receives second reading and is sent to the committee.
Introduction and First Reading Stage
The Honourable Kirsty Duncan moves motions to introduce and give first reading to the bill in the House of Commons on June 20, 2018, at which time the House automatically adopts the motions (without discussion, amendment or a vote). After it receives first reading, the bill is given a bill number, it is printed and it is made publicly available.
Notice
The Honourable Kirsty Duncan gives official notice on June 18, 2018 that she will introduce the bill for first reading in the House of Commons.

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