Province backs 2027 leadership initiative following interprovincial accessibility agreement
TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $400,000 in the Rick Hansen Foundation to support a national Youth Leadership Summit in 2027, an initiative designed to equip young Canadians with the skills and knowledge to promote accessibility and inclusion in their communities.
The funding announcement comes after Premier Doug Ford joined provincial and territorial leaders in signing a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening accessibility standards and reducing physical barriers for Canadians with disabilities.
The investment reflects Ontario’s broader strategy to improve accessibility through partnerships, community initiatives and leadership development while reinforcing its commitment to creating more inclusive public spaces and opportunities.
Ontario Expands Accessibility Efforts Through Youth Leadership
The 2027 Youth Leadership Summit will bring together more than 40 young leaders from across Canada in Ontario, providing them with opportunities to learn from accessibility advocates, collaborate with peers and develop innovative solutions to improve accessibility.
Participants will take part in workshops, leadership training and collaborative activities focused on accessibility, inclusion and community leadership. The program is intended to equip youth with practical tools to lead local accessibility initiatives and help create lasting improvements in communities across the country.
“For 40 years, Rick Hansen has been inspiring Canadians and people around the world to build a future without barriers,” said Premier Ford. “Our government is proud to support Rick’s mission with this investment to support the next generation of accessibility leaders.”
The summit forms part of the 40th anniversary of the Man In Motion World Tour, a milestone that continues to inspire accessibility advocacy across Canada.
Funding Supports Future Accessibility Champions
Minister for Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho said the investment reflects the province’s commitment to empowering youth to drive meaningful change.
“Ontario is proud to support the next generation of accessibility leaders,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Today’s investment will empower young people to become champions for accessibility, helping build a future where everyone can participate fully in community life. Through this initiative, youth will gain the leadership skills, knowledge and confidence to remove barriers and create lasting change across Ontario and Canada.”
The province said the initiative complements its existing accessibility programs, including the annual Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grants, which fund projects that improve accessibility in community spaces while encouraging active and healthy lifestyles for people with disabilities.
Rick Hansen Foundation Highlights Long-Term Impact
Rick Hansen, Founder of the Rick Hansen Foundation, said investing in young leaders is essential to advancing accessibility nationwide.
“This Youth Leadership Summit is an investment in the leaders who will shape a more accessible future,” said Rick Hansen, Founder of the Rick Hansen Foundation. “As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Man In Motion World Tour, I’m inspired by the opportunity to transform that spirit into many in motion. By bringing together young people with diverse experiences and perspectives, we can inspire innovation, foster understanding and empower the next generation to break down barriers and create communities where everyone can fully participate and contribute. When youth are engaged to lead, they have the power to carry this movement forward and create impactful change for generations to come.”
The Rick Hansen Foundation is a Canadian charitable organization focused on creating a society where people with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of community life. Through education, advocacy and accessibility initiatives, the organization works with governments, businesses and communities to reduce barriers and promote inclusion.
Summit to Bring Together Youth From Across Canada
According to the province, the two-day summit will welcome 40 youth leaders between the ages of 12 and 19 from across Canada, including participants with and without disabilities.
By fostering collaboration among young people with diverse experiences and perspectives, the event aims to encourage innovative approaches to accessibility challenges while building a network of future leaders committed to inclusion.
Ontario said the latest investment reinforces its ongoing efforts to remove barriers, expand opportunities and strengthen participation for people with disabilities, seniors and families. Provincial officials say strategic investments in leadership development and accessibility initiatives will help ensure communities become more inclusive while supporting the next generation of advocates working to improve accessibility across Canada.