In my 33 years spent working at Statistics Canada (StatCan), I have experienced many agency-wide changes. Stepping into the role of Champion for persons with disabilities in 2002, in addition to my other management responsibilities, felt like the ideal opportunity to become an agent of change.
I am honoured to work alongside the Persons with Disabilities Committee (PwDC). Together, we have mobilized people to dismantle accessibility barriers and we continue to do so every day. Through our work, I have seen increased interest, questions and engagement pertaining to accessibility from all areas at StatCan and beyond.
I am proud to present Statistics Canada: Road to Accessibility. This accessibility plan is the result of knowledge gathered from the lived experiences of employees who face accessibility barriers. I hope the goals of this plan will inspire reflection and action in all StatCan employees as the responsibility for an accessible organization is carried by all of us for all of us—and for all Canadians.
I have benefited from countless experiences and opportunities during my time at StatCan, amounting to the fulfilling career I now have. This plan aims to ensure that all employees, especially those experiencing barriers, are afforded enriching careers through which they are supported and encouraged to grow.
My time as an employee and as the champion has shown me that StatCan employees are committed to supporting persons with disabilities and all employees experiencing barriers. To do this, those who don't see themselves as a person with a disability still need the same tools, support, knowledge and corporate culture as persons with disabilities. The actions in this plan aim to support employees and to put accessibility at the forefront of everything StatCan does. Putting accessibility first is the right thing to do and will benefit everyone—employees, partners and Canadians.
The progress StatCan has made since my first day is remarkable. I hope this accessibility plan will push us into making even greater advancements in accessibility. This progress depends on concrete action, inclusivity by design and an accessible environment for all.
Tony Labillois
Champion for persons with disabilities and
Director General, Justice, Diversity and Population Statistics Branch