Canadians who are blind or have low vision will have better access to
books and other copyrighted materials. The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister
of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, today announced that the Act
to Amend the Copyright Act (access to copyrighted works or other subject-matter
for persons with perceptual disabilities) has received royal assent.
The amendments to the Copyright Act enable Canada to be among the first
countries in the world to accede to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access
to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, or low vision or Otherwise Print
Disabled.
By bringing the country’s copyright law in line with the Treaty, Canada
has shown leadership in ensuring a wider availability of books and other
materials for Canadians with print disabilities.
“I am proud that this legislation is coming into force. Improving access
to books and other copyrighted materials for the visually impaired and print
disabled is a priority for our government. I am pleased that, with the passage
of this legislation, Canada is leading by example in making the world a more
accessible place.” – The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation,
Science and Economic Development
“I am honoured that our government is standing up for Canadians with
disabilities. With the Act coming into force, Canadians with print disabilities
will have more equitable access to alternative-format published materials and
will benefit from greater accessibility and opportunities in their communities
and workplaces.”– The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and
Persons with Disabilities
“I am proud that the government has taken action to ensure that visually
impaired and print-disabled persons have access to the latest and best
published materials from around the world. This legislation will allow
Canadians to participate fully and actively in our society, and it will
contribute to the development of our inclusive economy.”– The Honourable
Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“CNIB is thrilled Bill C-11, which implements the Marrakesh Treaty, has
received royal assent. This is an important milestone for Canadians with vision
loss and other print disabilities. Access to literature is a human right and
the Marrakesh Treaty will provide greater access to published literature in
alternate formats, unlocking opportunities for education and employment and
providing equal access to all Canadians.” – Diane Bergeron, Executive Director,
Strategic Relations and Engagement, CNIB
How will this
change help you and your organization?
If you are interested in learning more about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or how to make accessibility a natural part of your business through the application of Corporate Social Responsibility, please contact Sandra Broekhof @ 416-579-1035 orsandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca
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