Executive summary

Like all ministries, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) complies with the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR). This regulation established phased-in requirements in the following accessibility standards:

  • customer service
  • information and communications
  • employment
  • transportation
  • design of public spaces

The general requirements are:

  • procurement
  • training

In 2012, the Ontario Public Service (OPS) released its first multi-year accessibility plan (MYAP) entitled Accessibility in the Ontario Public Service: Leading the Way Forward.

MNDM's 2016 Accessibility Report demonstrates how the measures taken in 2016 support the key outcomes and deliverables of the 2012-2016 OPS MYAP.

The Report also celebrates the eleventh anniversary of the AODA, demonstrating the ministry’s ongoing commitment to being an accessibility leader, along with its two obligated agencies (the Ontario Northland Transportation Company - ONTC - and the Owen Sound Transportation Company - OSTC) which remain committed to ensuring that information and services are provided in a manner that presents no barriers to Ontarians with disabilities, including OPS employees.

MNDM could not have achieved its accessibility mandate without the efforts of skilled employees who were dedicated to the project. We support individuals with disabilities. We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible by identifying potential barriers and further building on our awareness of diversity, accessibility and inclusive practices. In addition, all staff received the necessary training to better understand their rights and obligations under the AODA and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC).

Section one: report on measures taken by the ministry in 2016

Customer service

MYAP key outcome

People with disabilities who are OPS customers receive quality goods and services in a timely manner.

Measures taken by MNDM in 2016

MNDM continues to be committed to providing accessible services to our staff and the public we serve.

MNDM continued to implement the OPS Accessible Customer Service Policy and associated practices and procedures in accordance with the requirements of the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Regulation (CSR).

Information and communications

MYAP key outcome

Information and communications are available in accessible formats or with necessary supports to all OPS staff and customers.

Measures taken by MNDM in 2016

MNDM is committed to providing accessible communications and information products to staff and the public we serve. Our website is a key means for customers, partners and stakeholders to acquire information and services from us.

Active offer

The ministry has inserted an “active offer” of assistance on its website so that persons with disabilities know what additional options may be available to help them access information and services.

“We are committed to providing accessible customer service. If you need accessible formats or communication supports, please contact us.”

Accessible feedback

The ministry continued to provide feedback mechanisms for the public through a range of communication channels, including:

  • electronic contact through the ministry Internet site
  • telephone contact, including TTY service
  • contact by written correspondence and facsimile

MNDM uses video conferencing to deliver presentations and hold meetings with colleagues across the province, including other ministries and organizations. In 2016, MNDM hosted 1,609 video-conferencing events, a 14% increase from the previous year. Video-conferencing supports the diverse needs of ministry staff and clients, allows greater access, and enhances user experience by breaking down barriers such as travel and mobility. Because of its common usage in the ministry, employees with disabilities can feel that participating in meetings through this alternative mode is simply “business as usual.”

Ministry initiatives

  • The ministry’s Inclusion Council continues to be an integral part of raising awareness about accessibility. It includes educational initiatives for staff and managers, adopting the Inclusion Lens in our business practices, and promoting greater awareness.
  • A Training Centre is available on the ministry’s Intranet for employees to use as a resource library. The centre covers topics such as accessible documents, accessible meetings, resources and external resource links, etc.

Employment

MYAP key outcome

OPS employees with disabilities participate fully and meaningfully in their employment.

Measures taken by MNDM in 2016

MNDM is committed to providing a work environment in which all staff have the opportunity to participate and contribute to their full potential by understanding needs and removing barriers. As an employer, MNDM works to attract and retain talented employees, including those employees with disabilities.

Best practices in place include:

  • embedding accessibility throughout the recruitment process and within orientation materials
  • providing employee accommodation and supports (for example, telephone headsets for staff who have hearing disabilities, and specialized office equipment to assist employees with disabilities)
  • following policies, directives and guidance for hiring and working with staff with disabilities, including supporting alternative work arrangements as required and performing ergonomic assessments in order to improve work stations
  • accommodating, where needed, employees who are returning to work after extended medical leave
  • providing support for employees who receive employment accommodation, with respect to their performance management and career development (for example, performance and learning plans)

As part of the annual talent management cycle, the performance plans of all executives and managers include accessibility commitments.

Continue to support flexible work arrangements.

MNDM Delegates attended the Job Opportunity Information Network (JOIN) Conference.

Design of public spaces

MYAP key outcome

There is greater accessibility into, out of and around OPS facilities and public spaces.

Measures taken by MNDM in 2016

All office renovations (Kenora + wrap up of 159 Cedar Sudbury) were designed and implemented to be in compliance with all regulatory requirements, and to conform with Infrastructure Ontario’s Guidelines for Barrier-free Design of Ontario Government Facilities.

General outcomes

MYAP key outcome

OPS staff are able to identify barriers to accessibility, in OPS policies, programs, services and facilities, and actively seek solutions to prevent or remove them on a continuing basis throughout the organization.

Measures taken by MNDM in 2016

The ministry is committed to being a leader in accessibility.

Procurement

Accessible procurement considers the needs of people with disabilities at all stages of the procurement or purchasing process. Goods and services that are accessible not only meet the needs of persons with disabilities, but are also highly practical for all members of the public.

Supported by the tools and templates from the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services, Supply Chain Ontario, and the Management Board of Cabinet’s Ontario Public Service Procurement Directive, MNDM continues to incorporate accessibility criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities.

Training

Investing in accessibility makes good business sense and the ministry is committed to ensuring our staff receives the correct tools and resources to instill accessibility@source at all levels of the organization.

As such, on an annual basis the ministry reviews and launches our mandatory training for all staff. In 2016, our mandatory training aligned to accessibility through the following programs:

  • Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) in the OPS
  • Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) Information and Communication Standards
  • May I Help You? – Supplementary: Ten Things You Need to know About Accessible Customer Service
  • May I Help You? Welcoming Customers With Disabilities
  • Working Together – The Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA
  • Diversity – Using the OPS Inclusion Lens
  • Respectful Workplace Policy and the WDHP Program: Digital Awareness Module
  • Workplace Violence Prevention
  • Facilities/Accommodation Specialists: Accessible Built Environment in the OPS
  • managers & HR professionals:
    • Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) Employment Standards
  • managers:
  • Disability Accommodation
  • Leadership 1.0

For ministry staff who do not have access to the intranet, the ministry provides all mandatory training on a Compact Disc to support their access to information and training.

In addition, the ministry requires that all staff include mandatory training in their annual performance reviews and learning and development plans. Managers are to review with staff as part of the annual performance management process/cycle.

The ministry actively participated in the OPS Diversity Career Champion Program to encourage executive and employee partners to engage in honest, open and meaningful dialogue about careers, inclusion, diversity and accessibility.

The ministry has a staff representative on the OPS’ Disability Advisory Council (DAC).

Each year our ministry is an exhibitor at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada convention and trade show (PDAC) in Toronto where there are 22,000+ attendees from over 100 countries with over 900 mining-sector exhibitors. The ministry’s organizing group involves its Accessibility representatives to review MNDM’s Ontario Pavilion for accessibility using the Inclusion Lens.

Section two: addressing the identification of barriers in legislation and implementation frameworks

Introduction

In 2005, the government introduced the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, with the goal of making Ontario accessible by 2025. In support of this goal, the government subsequently committed to review Ontario legislation to identify and address accessibility barriers, and undertook a coordinated review of 51 statutes considered to have a high impact on persons with disabilities.

As a result of this review, the government made changes to 11 statutes spread across seven ministries to ensure that Ontario laws better reflect accessibility considerations. The changes to the 11 statutes were included in the government’s 2016 Budget bill, which received Royal Assent on April 19, 2016.

Each ministry continues to be responsible for identifying and addressing barriers in their legislation and the policies and programs through which that legislation is implemented, and for reporting on results through its accessibility report.

Our Ministry remains committed to the goal of ensuring that Ontario legislation and implementation frameworks do not create barriers to persons with disabilities.

Measures in place in 2016

MNDM’s legislative review schedule as of 2016

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Act

  • Establishes a corporation to promote economic development and diversification in Northern Ontario through the use of funds provided for that purpose.
  • 2014 Completed

Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Act

  • Establishes the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
  • 2014 Completed

Ontario Northland Transportation Commission Act

  • Established the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission to provide transportation and telecommunications services to Northern Ontario.
  • 2016 Completed

Northern Services Boards Act

  • Allows inhabitants of territories without municipal organization to establish local services boards to provide certain basic community services.
  • It also provides for the establishment of area service boards to consolidate service delivery.
  • To be completed November 2017

Mining Act

  • This Act provides for the administration of mining lands, the regulation of mineral exploration and development activities and mine closure and rehabilitation in Ontario. Currently undergoing Phase III of Mining Act Modernization which includes Online Claim Registration which will increase accessibility of Ministry services. We have placed the Mining Act last on the list to allow time for Online Claim Registration to become fully operational.
  • To be completed June 2018
Mining Act Regulations

O. Reg. 240/00, Schedule 2

  • The required content of a Closure Plan
  • To be completed June 2018

O. Reg. 381/93, Table of Fees

  • Refinery Licenses
  • To be completed June 2018

Reg. 768. R.R.O. 1990, subs. 16(3), Table, Surveyor’s Certificate

  • Text of a required surveyor’s certificate
  • To be completed June 2018

Reg. 768. R.R.O. 1990, Subs. 17 (5), Table, Surveyor’s Certificate

  • Text of a required surveyor’s certificate
  • To be completed June 2018

Actions taken in the past year

In 2016, MNDM staff reviewed the information publicly available on the GeologyOntario’s website and reviewed the Ontario Northland Commission Transportation Act, using the OPS Inclusion lens and the Accessibility Legislative Review Tool respectively.

As a result of the coordinated legislative review led by MAG on MNDM legislation available on e-laws, there were legislative amendments identified in 2016 for the Northern Services Board Act to ensure AODA compliance. These legislative amendments will be brought forward in 2017.