“It’s unacceptable that any Canadian be denied equal access on public transportation,” said Carla Qualtrough, Minister for Persons with Disabilities. “We are engaging with Canadians right now on how to best address systemic issues of exclusion and discrimination in federal areas of jurisdiction that includes transportation.”
Qualtrough said the end result would be regulations that ensure Canadians aren’t discriminated against. In the meantime, she said she would work with airlines to find solutions.
But advocates and the opposition are urging action now.
Bob Brown of the Canadian Council of People with Disabilities says he’s hearing from more and more members unable to fly because their wheelchair won’t fit.
“There are no requirements to build an aircraft with large enough cargo holds to store personal mobility aids,” he said. “There comes a point where you have to say enough is enough.”
He added that the current solutions, such as using a rental chair or taking roundabout routes, are not good options.
“It’s not enough for an alternative chair be available on the other end because there is no such thing…they are very customized,” he said.
Brown’s voice is being echoed on Parliament Hill by Cheryl Hardcastle, the NDP’s critic for persons with disabilities.
“Canadians are looking at this and are saying this is unacceptable and we need to act,” Hardcastle said. “I don’t know that we accept that it’s okay to say ‘not our problem, doesn’t fit.’”
She wants to see standards that mean any type of transportation can accommodate a power wheelchair.
“You can’t dismiss someone because they don’t fit in the picture right now,” she said. “Human rights take priority. It is not an option.”
“It’s unacceptable that any Canadian be denied equal access on public transportation,” said Carla Qualtrough, Minister for Persons with Disabilities. “We are engaging with Canadians right now on how to best address systemic issues of exclusion and discrimination in federal areas of jurisdiction that includes transportation.”Qualtrough said the end result would be regulations that ensure Canadians aren’t discriminated against. In the meantime, she said she would work with airlines to find solutions.But advocates and the opposition are urging action now.Bob Brown of the Canadian Council of People with Disabilities says he’s hearing from more and more members unable to fly because their wheelchair won’t fit.“There are no requirements to build an aircraft with large enough cargo holds to store personal mobility aids,” he said. “There comes a point where you have to say enough is enough.”He added that the current solutions, such as using a rental chair or taking roundabout routes, are not good options.“It’s not enough for an alternative chair be available on the other end because there is no such thing…they are very customized,” he said.Brown’s voice is being echoed on Parliament Hill by Cheryl Hardcastle, the NDP’s critic for persons with disabilities.“Canadians are looking at this and are saying this is unacceptable and we need to act,” Hardcastle said. “I don’t know that we accept that it’s okay to say ‘not our problem, doesn’t fit.’”She wants to see standards that mean any type of transportation can accommodate a power wheelchair.“You can’t dismiss someone because they don’t fit in the picture right now,” she said. “Human rights take priority. It is not an option.”
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