Open Letter to the Government of Saskatchewan
Accessibility Delayed Is Accessibility Denied
June 18, 2026
To:
The Honourable Scott Moe
Premier of Saskatchewan
The Honourable Terry Jenson
Minister of Social Services
The Honourable Eric Schmalz
Minister Responsible for the Accessible Saskatchewan Act
Members of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan
Re: Accessibility Barriers in Saskatchewan Communities and the Need for Action
Dear Premier Moe, Ministers, and Members of the Legislative Assembly,
On behalf of Barrier Free Saskatchewan (BFSK), I am writing to express our growing concern regarding the continued presence of accessibility barriers in Saskatchewan communities and the apparent lack of urgency in addressing them once they are identified.
Recent correspondence received by Barrier Free Saskatchewan regarding sidewalk disrepair and accessibility hazards in Regina has highlighted a troubling pattern. Documentation provided by community members shows that concerns regarding an unsafe and inaccessible sidewalk location were formally reported as early as 2024. The same concerns were raised again in 2026, yet the barrier remains unresolved.
While the issue itself may appear local in nature, the implications are provincial.
This is not simply about a section of sidewalk.
It is about whether persons with disabilities can travel safely within their communities.
It is about whether accessibility concerns are treated with the same urgency as other public safety concerns.
And it is about whether Saskatchewan is living up to the commitments it made through the Accessible Saskatchewan Act.
Barrier Free Saskatchewan has now heard from multiple individuals who have independently raised concerns about the same accessibility barrier over a period of years. Residents have reported uneven walking surfaces, significant heaving of asphalt, and conditions that present hazards for people who use wheelchairs, walkers, canes, guide dogs, or who have vision loss, balance issues, or mobility disabilities.
For many residents, what may appear to be a minor infrastructure issue can create a significant barrier to independence, safety, and community participation.
The concern becomes even greater when barriers remain in place after being reported repeatedly.
The Accessible Saskatchewan Act was enacted to identify, prevent, and remove barriers for persons with disabilities. The legislation reflects a commitment to creating a province where accessibility is considered proactively rather than reactively.
However, legislation alone does not remove barriers.
Action does.
When documented accessibility concerns remain unresolved for years, people with disabilities are left wondering whether accessibility is truly being prioritized.
Barrier Free Saskatchewan respectfully asks the Government of Saskatchewan to consider the following questions:
• What accountability mechanisms exist to ensure municipalities address identified accessibility barriers within a reasonable timeframe?
• How is compliance with the spirit and intent of the Accessible Saskatchewan Act being measured?
• What role do persons with lived experience of disability play in assessing and prioritizing accessibility concerns?
• How can municipalities be supported in addressing accessibility barriers before injuries occur rather than after?
• Is the province prepared to establish clearer standards and timelines for the removal of documented accessibility barriers in public spaces?
Accessibility should never depend on how many times a concern is reported.
Nor should individuals with disabilities be required to repeatedly advocate for the removal of barriers that have already been identified and documented.
We believe Saskatchewan can do better.
Barrier Free Saskatchewan remains committed to working collaboratively with municipalities, provincial leaders, and community organizations to help create safer and more inclusive communities. We would welcome the opportunity to participate in discussions regarding accessibility standards, municipal accountability, and the implementation of the Accessible Saskatchewan Act.
The residents who raised these concerns are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for safe access to public infrastructure that many others take for granted.
Accessibility delayed is accessibility denied.
We respectfully call upon the Government of Saskatchewan to demonstrate leadership in ensuring that accessibility barriers, once identified, are addressed in a timely, meaningful, and accountable manner.
As this matter has been ongoing since at least 2024 and continues to affect residents with disabilities, Barrier Free Saskatchewan respectfully requests a response by June 19 , 2026.
We believe this issue warrants public discussion and broader awareness. In the interest of transparency and public accountability, Barrier Free Saskatchewan intends to share this open letter and supporting information with media outlets, disability organizations, elected officials, and community stakeholders following June 17, 2026.
We remain hopeful that meaningful dialogue and collaborative action can occur before further delays impact the safety, independence, and full participation of Saskatchewan residents living with disabilities.
Sincerely,
Brenda Edel
President
Barrier Free Saskatchewan