The Voice of Canada News

Each year, Ontarians attend Remembrance Day events across the province to honour the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. In addition, memorial ceremonies are held year-round for heroic first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty. A wide range of Ontarians attend these events, including veterans, people with disabilities, seniors and families with strollers, and it is important to ensure that everyone can fully participate.

That is why our government has created a free resource to help groups and communities make their Remembrance Day and memorial ceremonies more accessible.

“We want events that honour the men and women who have defended freedom and democracy to be welcoming to all Ontarians,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “I encourage everyone who is planning commemorative events to use this guide. It will help communities across Ontario to keep accessibility in mind as they prepare for their Remembrance Day and memorial ceremonies, so that everyone can take part.”

Creating Accessible Remembrance Day and Memorial Ceremonies is a helpful resource that provides easy-to-follow information and a convenient checklist to help plan events and consider accessibility so that everyone can participate, including how to:

• Make the physical spaces where ceremonies take place more accessible.
• Provide accessibility and customer service training for staff and volunteers.
• Share information in an accessible way.

“The freedoms that we cherish today belong to every single Ontarian because of the sacrifice and service of our Canadian Armed Forces,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “We are ensuring that accessibility and respect are at the forefront of every event that commemorates our heroes. By working together to create an inclusive environment for Remembrance Week activities, we are truly able to honour and uphold Canada’s values of acceptance and equality that so many who have served and continue to serve our country fought for and defend.”

Ontario is committed to protecting what matters most to people with disabilities, seniors and their families.