Remembering David Onley — Champion of Rights, Equity and Equality For All Who Have a Disability
by Jeannette Campbell
On January 14, we lost a champion. David Onley, the former Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, passed away. We mourn the loss of this giant along with all Ontarians, and the entire country.
Mr. Onley was a tireless champion for the rights of people who have a disability. His advocacy changed the very fabric of our society.
He was the catalyst for the Ontario Disability Employment Network’s (ODEN) Business Champions League, where he brought together like-minded business leaders and supported them to organize, advocate, and bring voice to the inequities and inequalities faced by people who have a disability.
Mr. Onley championed the business case for inclusion and supported the Business Champions League to carry that message into the board rooms and workplaces across our province. He educated and informed, influenced and encouraged, and challenged the business community and the government to rethink disability. Mr. Onley was a changemaker and passionate supporter of access not only for the built environment, but also for access to opportunity.
His accomplishments are too extensive to list. His impact too great to describe in a short post.
The Ontario Disability Employment Network is forever indebted to this incredible man. On behalf of our organization and the Business Champions League — which still exists today, we extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Onley’s family and to all who loved him, worked with him and had the honour to know him.
Jeannette Campbell is the CEO of The Ontario Disability Employment Network.