Presidents Group Official Submission to BC’s Accessibility Consultation

Graphic header for British Columbia Framework for Accessibility Legislation

On October 22nd 2019, the Presidents Group hosted a consultation for business on the BC Government’s framework for accessibility legislation in our province.

Sixty attendees, including members of the Presidents Group, our Community of Accessible Employers, and members of the broader business community, shared their perspectives on how the legislation should be designed, what would help businesses become more accessible and comply with standards or regulations.

The feedback, as well as the Presidents Group’s own 13 recommendations, have been included in our official submission. You can download a copy.

Presidents Group Announces Pledge to Measure

Presidents Group Co-chairs stand in front of audience to announce Pledge

September 9, 2019

In celebration of Disability Employment Month, the Presidents Group announced today a new initiative to improve the representation of people with disabilities in the workplace. All 25 companies, which collectively employ over 50,000 British Columbians, will begin publicly reporting the number of employees and senior leaders with disabilities within their organizations. The first public report will be posted June 2020.

“The Presidents Group has set a vision to make BC the province with the highest employment for people with disabilities by 2030,” said Kirsten Sutton, VP & Managing Director, SAP Labs Canada and Presidents Group Co-Chair. “Although there have been considerable efforts made by companies in recent years, there is still more work to be done to make workplaces even more inclusive. We know that British Columbia’s business community has what it takes to show the rest of the country what is possible.”

The announcement was made at a press conference featuring the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Hon. Shane Simpson and Presidents Group members. The audience for the announcement was a blend of senior leaders and employees with disabilities from many of the member organizations.

The speeches and presentation of a framed copy of the proclamation of Disability Employment Month, was followed by a celebratory lunch catered by Tacofino, and cake by Gabi and Jules.