Ontario's new Lieutenant-Governor wants a computer for every First Nation student in northern Ontario
Help for disabled, natives pledged - Ontario's new lieutenant-governor urged the public to lend a helping hand.
MICHAEL OLIVEIRA - September 6, 2007
TORONTO -- Challenges faced by the disabled in Ontario will get more attention and a new program will soon be launched to give a high-tech education to every aboriginal child in the northern part of the province, the new lieutenant-governor pledged yesterday.
Immediately after Lt.-Gov. David Onley was sworn in as the Queen's representative in Ontario, he promised to use his influence to fight for better accessibility across the province and rally the public to support the cause.
Onley, who has lived with polio and post-polio syndrome since the age of three, faced his own accessibility challenges before he could enter the legislature.
The front entrance to the legislature is not wheelchair accessible and Onley had to ride his motorized scooter to a side door to get inside the building. And before delivering a speech from the Speaker's chair in the legislative chamber, Onley needed a hand to get up a few steps.
Onley said his struggles were symbolic of what so many people encounter every day and he encouraged the public to reach out and offer a hand to anyone who might need help.
"The final steps to accessibility for an individual to achieve their potential may simply depend on another person's strong arm, a helping hand and an open mind," Onley said. "So, I'm asking each and every one of you today to be that person, to be that role model."
Onley replaces James Bartleman, who became lieutenant-governor in March 2002, and Onley said he will expand the aboriginal literacy program launched by his predecessor.
Onley said his goal is to put a computer on every desk in every school in every First Nations community in northern Ontario.
"It is my hope that five years from now, every young aboriginal boy and girl graduating from high school will have new options," he said.
Onley said he will also use his influence to help people with other disabilities, such mental illnesses, poor health and struggles brought on by poverty.