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Tribute to the late Honourable David C. Onley

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January 18, 2023

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The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) extends deep condolences to the family and friends of the late Honourable David C. Onley, the 28th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

Mr. Onley was an innate active advocate for human rights. His advocacy embodied not only physical disability for all people but also promoted the inherent dignity of human beings. As a successful journalist, a volunteer, and later becoming the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, he demonstrated that one’s physical disability should not be a barrier to achieving one’s purpose. With passion, Mr. Onley championed the rights of people with disabilities. He gave thousands of speaking engagements across Ontario and promoted the significance of identifying and removing barriers for all forms of disability.

Among the many legacies is his 2019 Report of the Third Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, commonly known as the Onley Report, in which he made practical recommendations toward creating a barrier-free Ontario.

His legacy is inspirational to the OHRC as it continues to make removing barriers for all forms of disability a key priority.