Ottawa

Philosophical question of the week

Does it matter that the minister responsible for the disabled does not have an accessible constituency office?

Access to Finley’s office in Simcoe, Ont., located 150 km southwest of Toronto, is gained by going up a few sets of concrete steps and stepping through a door … “As the minister with lead responsibilities on accessibility issues, we encourage her to seek accessible space,” said Laurie Beachell, national co-ordinator for the Council of Canadians with Disabilities. “She carries the disability file for much of the country.”

Beachell said he meets with federal officials frequently, including Finley, to explain the concerns of the country’s disabled. “We know she knows (our concerns about accessibility),” he said. “I think we need our elected leaders to set an example on accessibility. It’s important everyone have equal access to elected officials.”