Accessibility Standards Advisory Board

Department

Authority

Remuneration

Purpose:

The Accessibility Standards Advisory Board (the Board) shall advise and make recommendations to the Minister respecting;

• Priorities for the establishment of accessibility standards and, in accordance with sections 16 and 18 of An Act Respecting Accessibility In The Province (the Act), the content of accessibility standards and the time periods for their implementation;
• Measures, policies, practices and other requirements that may be implemented by the government to improve accessibility;
• Long-term accessibility objectives for furthering the purpose of this Act; and
• Any other matter relating to accessibility on which the Minister seeks the board's advice.

Structure:

The Board shall consist of a minimum of seven members and a maximum of nine members appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Minister and shall comply with the following requirements;

•  At least one half of the members are either;
  • Persons with disabilities, or
  • Representatives from organizations of or for persons with disabilities;
• At least one member shall be an Indigenous Person

The Lieutenant-Governor in Council shall, on the recommendation of the Minister, designate from the members appointed under subsection (3) of the Act, one member as the chairperson and another member as the vice-chairperson.

Competency Profile:

All members should have:

• Previous experience in leadership positions and board governance;
• Experience in one or more of the following; Public Sector Policy and Administration; Finance; Communications; Human Resources; Legal Services; Stakeholder Engagement;
• Active supporters/champions of issues of importance within the disability community;
• Knowledge/awareness and commitment to accessibility and addressing impacts of barriers for persons with disabilities;
• Ability to represent the sectors or organizations who may have obligations under the accessibility standards that are developed;
• Diverse backgrounds and experiences, including representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities, business, municipalities and other organizations;
• Ability to represent the interests of stakeholders most affected by measures aimed at achieving greater accessibility; and
• A thorough understanding of the legislative goals of the Act and the duties and responsibilities of the board and its operations.

Qualifications:

Experience/Personal Attributes:

• High ethical standards and integrity;
• Strategic focus;
• Strong reasoning skills;
• Able to devote adequate time and effort to support the board;
• Appreciation of the responsibilities to the public;
• A team player, making a genuine and active contribution;
• Able to work towards a common goal;
• Effective communicator - able to constructively and appropriately listen to, consider and debate other people's viewpoints respectfully and communicate effectively within a broad group of stakeholders;
• Be able to read and interpret materials applicable to the issue being discussed;
• Use plain language; and
• Adhere to a high degree of confidentiality

Time Commitments:

Members of the Board shall hold at least four regular meetings each year and meet with the Minister at least once a year. Board members may also be expected to spend additional time reviewing materials and preparing for board meetings. The Board shall prepare a summary report after each meeting and make the report publically available. The Board will prepare an annual report of its activities and operations during the preceding fiscal year, file it with the Minister and make it publically available.

Term:

Notwithstanding subsection (5) of the Act, at least one half of the members appointed following the coming into force of this Act shall be appointed for a term of two years and the remainder for a term of three years and all subsequent appointments of members to the board shall be for a term of three years.

A person appointed under subsection (3) of the Act shall be appointed for a term of three years and is eligible to be reappointed but shall not serve longer than two consecutive terms.