Creating an advocate was a recommendation from members of the disabilities community during the PDD Safety Standard Consultation – Supporting safe and inclusive lives : report of the Persons with Developmental Disabilities safety standards consultation 2016 Once established, Alberta will be one of the first jurisdictions in the country to have an advocate specifically dedicated to persons with disabilities.
The Alberta Government accepted feedback on the priorities that will inform the mandate of the new Advocate for Persons with Disabilities. In March 2018, the Alberta Government is asked Albertans with disabilities, families, service providers and support organizations to provide feedback on the planned role and responsibilities of the advocate as outlined in Bill 205.
Background
Bill 205: the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Act was passed in the Alberta legislature in May 2017 and is expected to be proclaimed into law in the spring of 2018.
The Act will allow the government to better support persons with disabilities and their families by:
- naming an Advocate for Persons with Disabilities
- assigning staff to support the work of an Advocate
- empowering the Advocate to represent the rights, interests and viewpoints of persons with disabilities
The advocate will report to the Minister of Community and Social Services and will be required to submit an annual report.