For Immediate Release:  June 27, 2011

MO11-308

The City of Saskatoon is joining with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission to raise awareness about the importance of City Council’s decision last month to cancel the $17.00 accessible taxi fare.

Disability Rights Advocate Len Boser initially raised the question about the two different rates which then resulted in a review by the City.  City Council’s decision ensures that all customers are charged the regular fare to take a taxi. The cancellation of the accessible fare came into effect on June 1, 2011.

Mayor Donald Atchison said, “To ensure that all people are treated fairly, Council approved the same rates for all.  We hope we can lead the way for other cities to follow suit.  Accessibility is critical for our citizens and we know that there is more for us to do on this front, but this is another good step.”

The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission is pleased to see people with disabilities benefit from the actions of Saskatoon’s City Council.

“I would like to commend the City of Saskatoon for the leadership they have demonstrated to bring about equal rates for passengers with mobility impairments," Chief Commissioner David Arnot said. “This is an example of systemic advocacy brought to life – this approach reaches further than the individual complaint-based model where only one person benefits from changes to the system,” Arnot added.

Chief Commissioner Arnot says he looks forward to working with the City on other projects affecting the disability community.