PUBLIC STATEMENT FROM ZACHARY WEEKS Defeat of Bill 206 in Alberta Legislature

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Edmonton, Alberta — Disability advocate and accessibility consultant Zachary Weeks is expressing deep disappointment following the defeat of Bill 206, a Private Member’s Bill introduced by Marie Renaud that called on the provincial government to establish accessibility legislation for people with disabilities in Alberta.

The bill’s defeat means Alberta remains one of only two provinces in Canada without accessibility legislation, alongside Prince Edward Island.

“Today is a difficult day for the disability community in Alberta,” said Weeks. “Bill 206 was an opportunity to take a meaningful step forward. Instead, we are left with the reality that disabled Albertans are still waiting for the basic protections and standards that exist in most of the country.”

According to Statistics Canada, more than one in five Albertans lives with a disability, yet the province continues to lack a comprehensive legal framework to remove barriers across employment, healthcare, education, transportation, and public services.

“Accessibility is not a luxury. It is a fundamental Canadian right,” Weeks said. “When legislation like this does not move forward, the barriers people face every day remain in place. That has real consequences for people trying to work, access care, go to school, and participate fully in their communities.”

Weeks is calling on the provincial government to bring forward its own accessibility legislation without delay.

“This cannot be the end of the conversation,” Weeks said. “The government now has a responsibility to act. Albertans with disabilities should not have to wait any longer for legislation that ensures equitable access and inclusion.”

Weeks also acknowledged the advocacy efforts of the disability community and allies across the province who mobilized in support of the bill.

“To everyone who spoke up, shared their stories, contacted their MLAs, and showed up — this matters,” Weeks said. “Change does not happen overnight, but momentum has been built. We will continue pushing forward.”

Weeks says the outcome of the vote sends a clear message about the work that remains.

“Albertans now know where their elected officials stand on accessibility,” Weeks said. “And we will remember.”

Media Contact
Zachary Weeks
Accessibility Consultant and Disability Advocate