Building a Barrier-Free Alberta by 2040

Sherwood Park MLA Kyle Kasawski is throwing his support behind Bill 206, the Accessible Alberta Act, which would set a clear goal: a barrier-free Alberta by 2040.

The Legislation

Introduced by MLA Marie Renaud, the bill 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.

Why It Matters

"Alberta is behind," Kasawski notes. Much of Canada has already taken action, including the federal government through the Accessible Canada Act. Bill 206 would bring Alberta in line with those efforts and provide tools to make real, measurable progress.

Economic Benefits

The Alberta Chambers of Commerce, including the local Sherwood Park chamber, 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 both the right thing to do and the smart thing to do.

Local Impact

Sherwood Park already has organizations leading the way:

Robin Hood Association has spent decades supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping individuals live meaningful lives and contribute to their community.

Winder Inclusive Communities Service supports neurodivergent adults to build relationships, confidence, and independence, ensuring individuals are not just included, but valued.

The Path Forward

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.

Upcoming Event

On April 9th, MLA Kasawski will attend the Robin Hood Association's Empowerment Gala in Sherwood Park, hoping to celebrate Alberta taking an important step forward toward a barrier-free province.

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