Stephanie Cadieux

Stephanie Cadieux is a prominent Canadian politician and advocate for accessibility, currently serving as the Chief Accessibility Officer (CAO) for Canada, a position she has held since May 2022. She is notable for being the first person to occupy this role, which was established under the Accessible Canada Act. In her capacity as CAO, Cadieux is responsible for monitoring and reporting on the implementation of accessibility measures across federal government operations, ensuring that barriers to participation for individuals with disabilities are addressed effectively.1 2

Background and Career

Before her appointment as CAO, Cadieux was a member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 2009 until 2022. During her time in provincial politics, she held several significant ministerial roles, including:

Minister of Social Development (2010-2012)
Minister of Children and Family Development (2012-2017)
Minister of Labour, Citizens’ Services and Open Government
Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

As Minister of Social Development, she was instrumental in implementing policies aimed at dismantling barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. Her initiatives included enhancing access to services for people with severe disabilities and facilitating opportunities for single parents to enter the workforce.1 2 4

Personal Experience and Advocacy

Cadieux's advocacy is deeply informed by her personal experience; she has used a wheelchair since suffering a spinal cord injury at the age of 18. This lived experience has shaped her understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and fuels her commitment to promoting inclusion and accessibility in society. She emphasizes that accessibility should be viewed as an essential component of public infrastructure rather than a charitable consideration.2 3 5

Recognition

In recognition of her contributions to public service and advocacy for accessibility, Cadieux has received numerous accolades, including an honorary degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in 2024. She was also named a Distinguished Alumna by KPU in 2013.2 4

Vision for Accessibility

Cadieux aims to redefine accessibility in Canada, advocating for a shift from viewing it merely as compliance with regulations to understanding it as fundamental to societal participation. She encourages ongoing dialogue about accessibility issues and emphasizes the importance of addressing both visible and invisible barriers that hinder full inclusion.3 5

Through her work, Cadieux continues to inspire change and foster environments where diversity and inclusion are prioritized.