The Canadian government is scheduled to address access in 2018, with legislation designed to increase accessibility nationwide. Currently Ontario, Manitoba and Nova Scotia have access laws on the books; but unlike the US, Canada lacks any federal access regulations.

Ken Hehr, the federal minister responsible for crafting this legislation, expects to be ready to present the proposed regulations to the House of Commons in the spring. Hehr — himself a quadriplegic — says he plans to focus the legislation on issues that Canadians have indicated are priorities — unemployment and access at federal buildings. The governing Liberals have promised to craft the new legislation so it removes barriers in federally regulated sectors such as banking, interprovincial transportation, telecommunications and government-run services. Hehr has also indicated that he will include some type of caregiver benefits in the legislation.

Previously this legislation was expected to be introduced in 2017, but an extended consultation period with advocacy groups delayed its completion.