Veteran B.C. Liberal Stephanie Cadieux resigns seat, takes federal accessibility post

A member of the BC Liberal caucus is resigning her Surrey-area seat after 13 years in order to become Canada's first Chief Accessibility Officer.

Stephanie Cadieux is the first woman with a disability to serve in the legislature and in cabinet, where she held a number of portfolios including children and family development, social development and labour.

The 49 year old has used a wheelchair since she suffered spinal injuries in a car accident when she was 18 years old.

A document from Employment and Social Development Canada announcing Cadieux as the first Chief Accessibility Officer says she is an advocate for diversity, accessibility, disability inclusion.

Stephanie Cadieux on Twitter:

Beyond honoured to take on this exciting new role as

@Canada

's first ever Chief Accessibility Officer. Thank you to my amazing friends and colleagues with the

@BCLiberalCaucus

who have always supported me and helped me fight for PWD and increased #accessibility.