Build a Barrier-free Alberta by 2040

As legislators, we spend a great deal of time debating budgets, policies, and priorities. But beneath all of those discussions lies a more fundamental question: what kind of province do we want to build?

For me, the answer is straightforward. Alberta should be a place where every person has the opportunity to fully participate and thrive. Not just in theory, but in practice— in our workplaces, our public spaces, and our communities.

That’s why I support Bill 206, the Accessible Alberta Act.

This legislation, introduced by MLA Marie Renaud, would set a clear and necessary goal: a barrier-free Alberta by 2040. It proposes a practical, standards-based approach to identifying, preventing, and removing barriers faced by people with disabilities— whether those barriers exist in buildings, digital services, transportation, employment, or government programs.

The reality is, Alberta is behind. Much of the country has already taken action, including the federal government through the Accessible Canada Act. Bill 206 would bring Alberta in line with those efforts and give us the tools to make real, measurable progress.

Accessibility doesn’t happen by accident. It requires thoughtful design, clear standards, and— most importantly— listening.

The principle of “nothing about us without us” must guide this work. People who live with barriers every day understand them better than anyone else, and their voices need to shape the solutions. When governments fail to meaningfully consult, the consequences are real, and trust is eroded.

Accessibility is not only about fairness— it’s about opportunity.

Business leaders understand this. The Alberta Chambers of Commerce, including our local chamber here in Sherwood Park, have called for accessibility legislation because inclusive workplaces expand the labour pool and strengthen the economy. At a time when Alberta faces workforce challenges, removing barriers to participation is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.

Here in Sherwood Park, we don’t have to imagine what an inclusive community looks like. We see it every day.

The Robin Hood Association has spent decades supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping individuals live meaningful lives and contribute to their community. Their work strengthens families and reminds us what true inclusion looks like.

Winder Inclusive Communities Service is doing equally important work, supporting neurodivergent adults to build relationships, confidence, and independence. Their focus on empowerment ensures that individuals are not just included, but valued.

These organizations are already building the kind of Alberta many of us want to see. Bill 206 would ensure our laws reflect those same values.

On April 9th I’ll be attending the Robin Hood Association’s Empowerment Gala here in Sherwood Park. I hope I’ll be able to stand in that room and say that Alberta took an important step forward— that we’ve committed to building a barrier-free province by 2040, alongside the rest of the country.

Because when we remove barriers, we invite more people in. Into our workplaces. Into our schools. Into our communities. And when everyone can participate fully, Alberta becomes stronger, more innovative, and more compassionate.

That is the kind of province I believe we should be striving to build: one where everyone belongs and has the opportunity to thrive.