Accessibility Plan

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ARNOLD BROS. TRANSPORT LTD.

Accessibility Plan

2026 – 2028

Initial Plan — Second Reporting Cycle

Prepared in compliance with the Accessible Canada Act, S.C. 2019, c. 10

and the Accessible Canada Regulations, SOR/2021-241

 

Published: June 2026

739 Lagimodiere Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R2J 0T8

hr@arnoldbros.com | (204) 257-6666 ext. 353 | www.arnoldbros.com

 

 

1. Introduction

Arnold Bros. Transport Ltd. is a federally regulated employer operating in the transportation industry, headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As a federally regulated company with 100 or more employees, we are required to prepare and publish Accessibility Plans, update them every 3 years, and report on our progress towards our goals annually.

The overarching goal of the Act is the realization of a barrier-free Canada by January 1, 2040. We believe accessibility is not a one-time project, it is a commitment to proactively identifying, removing, and preventing barriers to accessibility within our organization and in the services we deliver every day.

 

1.1 Legislative Framework

This Accessibility Plan has been prepared in accordance with the following legislation and regulations:

  • Accessible Canada Act, S.C. 2019, c. 10
  • Accessible Canada Regulations, SOR/2021-241
  • Canada Labour Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. L-2 (Part III — Standard Hours, Wages, Vacations and Holidays; and relevant provisions respecting accommodation)
  • Canadian Human Rights Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. H-6
  • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA (referenced in the December 2025 amendments to the Accessible Canada Regulations regarding ICT)
  • CAN/ASC – EN 301 549: National Accessibility Standard for Information and Communications Technology (ICT), as adopted by amended Accessible Canada Regulations (December 2025)

 

1.2 The Seven Priority Areas

Consistent with the Act, this plan addresses barriers and commitments across the seven legislated priority areas:

  • Employment
  • Built Environment
  • Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
  • Communication (other than ICT)
  • Procurement of Goods, Services and Facilities
  • Design and Delivery of Programs and Services
  • Transportation

 

 

 

1.3 Definitions

Accessibility: Refers to the needs of persons with disabilities being intentionally and thoughtfully considered when products, services and facilities are built or modified so they can be used and enjoyed by all.

Barrier: The Accessible Canada Act defines a barrier as “anything—including anything physical, architectural, technological or attitudinal, anything that is based on information or communications or anything that is the result of a policy or a practice—that hinders the full and equal participation in society of persons with an impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment or a functional limitation.”

Disability: The Accessible Canada Act defines a disability as “any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment—or a functional limitation— whether permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, or evident or not, that, interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society.”

2. Statement of Commitment

Arnold Bros. Transport Ltd. is committed to making our organization and the services we provide accessible to all. We recognize that all Canadians have the right to live and work in a barrier-free environment, and we embrace the principles set out in the Accessible Canada Act: dignity, independence, inclusion, equality of opportunity, and full and meaningful participation.

We acknowledge that disability is experienced in many forms, including physical, sensory, cognitive, mental health-related, and communication-related differences. We are committed to removing barriers in all aspects of our operations, whether they are architectural, technological, attitudinal, or systemic.

Our commitment aligns with our organizational values:

  • We act in the interest of safety and wellness.
  • We are respectful and inclusive.
  • We are here for each other, our customers, and our suppliers.

 

3. Feedback Process

In accordance with sections 94 and 95 of the Accessible Canada Act and Part 2 of the Accessible Canada Regulations, Arnold Bros. Transport Ltd. has established a process for receiving and responding to feedback on accessibility and on this Accessibility Plan.

We welcome feedback from employees, clients, contractors, and members of the public. All feedback will be carefully reviewed to ensure our Accessibility Plan remains current and effective. We will respond to all feedback in a timely manner.

Feedback may be submitted by any of the following methods:

 

Method

Details

Contact

Director, Talent & Engagement

Mailing Address

739 Lagimodiere Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R2J 0T8

Email

hr@arnoldbros.com

Telephone

(204) 257-6666 ext. 353

Website

www.arnoldbros.com

 

Feedback may be provided anonymously. Where a response is requested, ABT will respond within fifteen (15) business days. All feedback is handled confidentially in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.

As required by the Regulations, a description of this feedback process is published alongside this Accessibility Plan on our website.

 

4. Consultations

The Accessible Canada Act and Accessible Canada Regulations require that persons with disabilities be meaningfully consulted in the development of accessibility plans. Arnold Bros. Transport Ltd. undertook consultation through the following methods:

 

4.1 Methods of Consultation

  • A company-wide survey distributed to all employees, including those who identify as having a disability
  • Focus groups and one-on-one interviews with employees who have disabilities, providing a confidential space to share ideas and identify barriers
  • Roundtable discussions with frontline and administrative staff on accessibility in day-to-day operations
  • Engagement with external organizations that support persons with disabilities to obtain recommendations for improving accessibility in our facilities, programs, and services

 

4.2 External Organizations Consulted

Arnold Bros. Transport Ltd. engaged the following external organizations during the development of this plan:

  • None currently.

4.3 Ongoing Consultation

We will continue to survey employees, including those with disabilities, and any working groups established under this Accessibility Plan to measure progress and ensure we realize the changes we have committed to. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee will play a central role in ongoing consultation and will inform each annual progress report.

 

5. Priority Area 1: Employment

Arnold Bros Transport Ltd. is committed to building an inclusive environment. All staff receive mandatory onboarding training, and accommodations are available during recruitment, onboarding, and throughout employment.

 

5.1 Barriers Identified

  • Absence of a consistent, confidential process for employees to voluntarily self-identify as persons with disabilities throughout employment
  • Limited awareness among managers of accommodation obligations and available resources
  • No designated “Person of Contact” at each location to champion DEI and serve as a first point of access for accommodation requests
  • Recruitment and onboarding materials not reviewed for accessibility

 

5.2 Commitments and Actions

 

Action / Commitment

Responsibility

Timeline

Status

Establish a routine, confidential process for voluntary self-identification of disability, including clear communication about why information is collected, how it will be used, and its confidentiality.

Director, Talent & Engagement / HR Team

Q3 2026

Planned

Establish a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and designate a “DEI Champion” at each ABT location. This individual will champion accessibility and serve as the first point of contact for accommodation inquiries, working collaboratively with the HR team.

HR Team / Regional Directors

Q4 2026

Planned

Review and update job postings, application processes, and onboarding materials to remove accessibility barriers and include inclusive language.

HR Team

Q1 2027

Planned

Develop and deliver manager training on duty-to-accommodate obligations under the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Canada Labour Code.

HR Team / DEI Committee

Q2 2027

Planned

6. Priority Area 2: Built Environment

ABT is committed to providing physical workplaces that are accessible to all employees, candidates, clients, and visitors. We recognize that physical barriers disproportionately affect persons with mobility limitations, wheelchair users, and those with other physical disabilities.

 

6.1 Barriers Identified

  • Due to the ground shifting, the accessible ramp at the front entrance is uneven and protrudes approximately two (2) inches, creating a tripping hazard for persons with reduced mobility and a navigation obstacle for wheelchair users and those using mobility devices.
  • A broader audit of physical premises has not yet been completed for all ABT locations.

 

6.2 Commitments and Actions

 

Action / Commitment

Responsibility

Timeline

Status

Repair and resurface the front entrance accessible ramp to create a smooth, compliant incline free of protrusions or uneven surfaces, meeting CSA B651 (Accessible Design for the Built Environment) standards.

Facilities Manager / Director, Western Region

Q3 2026

In Progress

Conduct a comprehensive physical accessibility audit of all ABT locations, identifying additional barriers to mobility, signage, parking, washrooms, and common areas.

Facilities Manager / DEI Committee

Q1 2027

Planned

Develop and implement a remediation plan based on the audit findings, Incorporating accessibility requirements into all future facility renovations, leasing decisions, and capital planning processes.

Director, Western Region / Facilities Manager

Ongoing from Q1 2027

Planned

 

7. Priority Area 3: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

The December 2025 amendments to the Accessible Canada Regulations introduced new requirements for digital accessibility, referencing the national standard, CAN/ASC – EN 301 549. As a large private-sector entity, we must ensure that new public-facing web pages, mobile applications, and digital documents published on public websites are accessible. Arnold Bros. Transport Ltd. is committed to meeting these requirements ahead the December 5, 2028, deadline where possible.

 

7.1 Barriers Identified

  • The current ABT website has not been assessed against WCAG 2.1 Level AA or CAN/ASC – EN 301 549, and likely contains barriers such as low-contrast text, small font sizes, and absence of alternative text on images.
  • Internally produced digital documents (forms, policy documents, training materials) have not been formally reviewed for accessibility.
  • No formal process exists for procuring accessible ICT products and services.

7.2 Commitments and Actions

 

Action / Commitment

Responsibility

Timeline

Status

Remediate identified website barriers of the public website according to WCAG 2.1 Level AA and CAN/ASC – EN 301 549 standards (including contrast, font size, screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and alternative text).

IT / Marketing / DEI Committee

Q3 2028

Planned

Establish an ICT accessibility checklist for internal documents and communications (PDFs, Word documents, presentations), and train relevant staff on accessible document creation.

HR / IT / DEI Committee

Q1 2027

Planned

Develop and apply an accessibility procurement checklist for new ICT tools, software, and platforms, consistent with the requirements of the amended Accessible Canada Regulations.

Directors / IT

Q2 2027

Planned

 

8. Priority Area 4: Communication (Other Than ICT)

Effective communication in accessible formats is fundamental to ensuring all employees, clients, and members of the public can fully access information about ABT’s services, policies, and programs.

 

8.1 Barriers Identified

  • No formal process for providing communications in alternate formats upon request (e.g., large print, plain language, audio format).
  • Employee and public-facing communications have not been reviewed for plain language compliance.
  • No defined process for ensuring accessibility of signage, announcements, and emergency communications at ABT facilities.

 

 

8.2 Commitments and Actions

 

Action / Commitment

Responsibility

Timeline

Status

Establish a process for providing communications materials (policy documents, forms, notices) in alternate formats upon request, including large print, plain language summaries, and electronic accessible formats.

HR / DEI Committee

Q1 2027

Planned

Review and update key public-facing and employee communications to meet plain language standards.

HR Team

Q2 2027

Planned

Review emergency and safety communications (evacuation plans, safety notices) to ensure accessibility for persons with sensory or cognitive disabilities.

Health & Safety Committee / Facilities Manager

Q2 2027

Planned

 

 

9. Priority Area 5: Procurement of Goods, Services and Facilities

Procurement decisions have a direct impact on accessibility outcomes. ABT is committed to ensuring that goods, services, and facilities we procure do not introduce new barriers or perpetuate existing ones.

 

9.1 Barriers Identified

  • No formal accessibility criteria have been incorporated into existing procurement policies or vendor evaluation processes.

9.2 Commitments and Actions

 

Action / Commitment

Responsibility

Timeline

Status

Develop and implement an Accessible Procurement Policy that requires accessibility criteria to be considered when sourcing goods, services, software, facilities, and training materials.

DEI Committee / Executive Team

Q2 2027

Planned

 

 

 

10. Priority Area 6: Design and Delivery of Programs and Services

At Arnold Bros. Transport Ltd. we aim to provide a consistent framework for evaluating the accessibility of our initiatives, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can fully participate and benefit from our offerings.

10.1 Barriers Identified

  • Training and onboarding programs have not been consistently reviewed for accessibility.
  • Accessibility has not been formally incorporated as a design requirement when developing internal programs, services, or processes.

 

10.2 Commitments and Actions

 

Action / Commitment

Responsibility

Timeline

Status

When creating in-house training materials, adopt accessible design best practices: offer both presenter and printed materials, ensure video/online content has text alternatives, offer private channels for questions, and use accessible document formats.

DEI Committee/ HR Team

Q1 2027

Ongoing

Provide accessibility awareness and customer service training to all public-facing team members, ensuring they can deliver effective, welcoming, and dignified experiences to all members of the public.

HR Team / DEI Committee

Q4 2026

Planned

 

11. Priority Area 7: Transportation

As a federally regulated transportation entity, Arnold Bros. Transport Ltd. acknowledges that transportation operations have specific accessibility implications. While our primary operations are commercial freight transportation, we are committed to ensuring that our operational policies and the way we engage with employees and third parties in transportation contexts does not create or perpetuate barriers.

 

11.1 Barriers Identified

  • No formal policy exists for accommodating Drivers who identify as having disabilities.
  • Driver and operations training has not been reviewed for accessibility of format or content.

 

 

11.2 Commitments and Actions

 

Action / Commitment

Responsibility

Timeline

Status

Review & update operational policies related to Driving roles to identify and address barriers for employees with disabilities seeking accommodation these positions. (ie. Providing assistive devices or adjustments to job duties)

Directors / HR Team

Q3 2027

Planned

Ensure driver and operations training materials are available in accessible formats (see Priority Area 6 commitments).

HR / Operations / DEI Committee

Q2 2027

Planned

 

12. Reporting and Accountability

As required by the Accessible Canada Act, Arnold Bros. Transport Ltd. will publish annual progress reports measuring our progress against the commitments set out in this plan. Each progress report will be published by June 1 of the relevant year and will be developed in consultation with persons with disabilities and the ABT DEI Committee.

Progress reports will describe:

  • Actions taken during the reporting year to implement this Accessibility Plan
  • The results and impact of those actions
  • Any new barriers identified and our response
  • Revisions to planned timelines or commitments, with explanation
  • Feedback received and how it influenced our actions

 

Deliverable

Deadline

Status

Initial Accessibility Plan (2026–2028)

June 1, 2026

Published

Annual Progress Report — Year 1

June 1, 2027

Upcoming

Annual Progress Report — Year 2

June 1, 2028

Upcoming

 

Within 48 hours of publishing this Accessibility Plan, Arnold Bros. Transport Ltd. will notify the Accessibility Commissioner as required by section 47 of the Act.

 

 

 

13. Conclusion

Arnold Bros. Transport Ltd. is proud to present this Accessibility Plan for the 2026–2028 cycle. We recognize that building a truly accessible and inclusive organization is an ongoing journey that requires sustained commitment, meaningful consultation, and accountability.

The commitments set out in this plan reflect the voices of our employees, including those with disabilities, and the guidance of external organizations with expertise in accessibility. We are committed to taking meaningful action and to transparently reporting our progress each year.

We invite ongoing feedback from all employees, clients, and members of the public. Your perspectives help us continuously improve.

 

 

 

Appendix A: Legislative and Regulatory References

The following legislation and standards are referenced throughout this plan:

 

Instrument

Relevance

Accessible Canada Act, S.C. 2019, c. 10

Primary legislation requiring accessibility plans, feedback processes, and progress reports for federally regulated entities

Accessible Canada Regulations, SOR/2021-241 (as amended December 2025)

Operationalizes planning and reporting requirements; introduces digital accessibility requirements referencing CAN/ASC – EN 301 549

Canada Labour Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. L-2

Governs federally regulated employment; sets standards for accommodation and workplace conditions

Canadian Human Rights Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. H-6

Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability; establishes duty to accommodate

WCAG 2.1 Level AA

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines; referenced standard for digital accessibility compliance

CAN/ASC – EN 301 549

National ICT accessibility standard adopted under the December 2025 amendments to the Accessible Canada Regulations

CSA B651

Canadian standard for accessible design of the built environment; guides physical barrier remediation