SaskEnergy Accessibility Plan
SaskEnergy Accessibility Plan 2026-2028
TABLE OF CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO MARK GUILLET ...............................................................3 STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT ............................................................................................................4 BACKGROUND .......................................................................................................................................4 E NGAGEMENT AND C ONSULTATIONS ..........................................................................................................4 KEY FOCUS AREAS .................................................................................................................................5 1. BUILT ENVIRONMENT .....................................................................................................................5 Current State ...................................................................................................................................5 Goal ................................................................................................................................................6 2026 -2028 Actions ..........................................................................................................................6 2. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES AND COMMUNICATIONS .............................................................6 Current State ...................................................................................................................................6 Goal ................................................................................................................................................7 2026 -2028 Actions: Information Technologies .................................................................................7 2026 -2028 Actions: Communications ..............................................................................................7 3. EMPLOYMENT .................................................................................................................................8 Current State ...................................................................................................................................8 Goal ................................................................................................................................................9 2026 -2028 Actions ..........................................................................................................................9 4. PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES ....................................................................................9 Current State ...................................................................................................................................9 Goal ..............................................................................................................................................10 2026 -2028 Actions ........................................................................................................................10 AWARENESS, EDUCATION, AND TRAINING ......................................................................................10 Goal ..............................................................................................................................................10 2026 -2028 Actions ........................................................................................................................10 MONITORING AND REPORTING ........................................................................................................11 CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................................11 CONTACT US ........................................................................................................................................11 GLOSSARY ............................................................................................................................................13
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SaskEnergy Accessibility Plan 2026-2028
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO MARK GUILLET
SaskEnergy’s vision of providing critical energy to support a prosperous Saskatchewan is aligned with our commitment to accessibility. Prosperity increases when it reflects the contributions of all people. Our Accessibility Plan demonstrates our commitment to providing inclusive and accessible programs, services and facilities, and outlines our efforts to identify, remove and prevent barriers for our employees, customers and for our province’s residents. At SaskEnergy, our people drive the success of our organization. We promote and encourage a workplace that is representative of Saskatchewan and recognize that individual differences strengthen our organization. We also strive to conduct our business and deliver our service in an accessible and welcoming manner for our customers, and within our communities. Whether it’s adhering to accessibility design standards in our physical spaces, providing adaptive technology where needed, or developing digital platforms and communications materials that are accessible to all users, we aim to facilitate a barrier-free, positive and respectful environment for all. As we continue to grow and evolve as an organization, everything we do is guided by our core corporate values: Safety, Integrity, Stewardship and Teamwork. It was with these guiding principles in mind that we undertook the development of our Accessibility Plan. Our work in this area will be ongoing, as we measure our progress, learn, and apply an approach of continuous improvement. Our focus, however, will remain the same — advancing accessibility in our facilities and services to best serve Saskatchewan, and building upon our workplace culture where all employees feel valued, supported, engaged and empowered.
Mark Guillet, K.C. President and Chief Executive Officer
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SaskEnergy Accessibility Plan 2026-2028
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT SaskEnergy is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for all employees, customers and members of the public. Our 2026-2028 Accessibility Plan (the “Plan”) sets out the company’s approach to identifying, removing and preventing accessibility barriers. This multi-year plan outlines our strategy for building a workplace and service culture where individuals of all abilities can thrive. We recognize that accessibility is not a one-time achievement, but a continual journey of improvement. We are dedicated to evolving our practices to work toward equitable access to SaskEnergy’s services, facilities, communications and employment opportunities. BACKGROUND The Accessible Saskatchewan Act (ASA) came into effect on December 3, 2023, to enhance accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities, particularly in workplace and public service environments. Grounded in the principle of ’Nothing about us, without us,’ the ASA emphasizes meaningful consultation with disability communities and promotes values such as inclusion, adaptability, diversity, collaboration, self-determination, and universal design. Under ASA regulations, a key requirement for public sector organizations — including the Government of Saskatchewan, Crown corporations, municipalities, school divisions, health authorities, and post-secondary institutions — is to develop an Accessibility Plan that identifi es and addresses barriers to access and inclusion. SaskEnergy is committed to meeting the standards and regulations set out in the ASA. Engagement and Consultations In developing our Plan, SaskEnergy engaged internal stakeholders to help identify and assess corporate accessibility barriers. To further inform development, SaskEnergy conducted a corporate-wide survey, inviting feedback from all employees about their experiences with accessibility within the organization. In addition, SaskEnergy leveraged insights from broader public consultations, reports and surveys conducted by the Government of Saskatchewan and other Crown corporations.
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SaskEnergy Accessibility Plan 2026-2028
KEY FOCUS AREAS Persons with disabilities may encounter various types of barriers. The ASA defines a barrier as anything that hinders or challenges the full and equal participation in society of persons with disabilities.
In accordance with the ASA, this Plan identifies our goals and commitments in the following priority areas:
• Built environment • Information technologies (IT) and communications • Employment • Procurement of goods and services
The Plan outlines SaskEnergy’s current assessment of each of the focus areas, efforts made to date , and actions that will be prioritized over the three-year period of the Plan to improve accessibility in these areas.
1. BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Barriers in the built environment are physical obstacles that prevent or limit mobility or access, hindering individuals with disabilities from fully accessing or using facilities, services, or spaces. Current State SaskEnergy adheres to the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) for the design, construction, renovation and repurposing of its facilities. These standards inform SaskEnergy’s approach to ensuring that its physical spaces are inclusive and accessible to all employees and visitors.
In recent years, SaskEnergy has made deliberate efforts to improve accessibility across its built environments. Key initiatives include:
• SaskEnergy Place (Regina head office) improvements o Addition of a wheelchair- accessible door on a designated floor at SaskEnergy Place to accommodate an employee with mobility impairment. o Upgrades to the Wellness Centre, including accessible fitness equipment and wheelchair-accessible space in the shower areas.
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SaskEnergy Accessibility Plan 2026-2028
Goal We aim to provide our employees, visitors and authorized members of the public with safe access to our non-restricted buildings by identifying and removing accessibility barriers wherever possible, while maintaining high standards of safety and productivity for all our staff .
2026 -2028 Actions Compliance with NBC
Continue to be compliant with the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) in all applicable construction projects, as well as during changes in use, alterations and demolitions of SaskEnergy real estate and building assets. Continuous Improvements Accessibility concerns raised by individuals will be reviewed and addressed as they arise. Responses may include actions to improve automated doors, physical access, and interior signage, with the goal of fostering a more inclusive and accessible environment. Enhance Awareness and Communication on Accessibility Features Continue to increase awareness of physical accessibility features across SaskEnergy facilities, including timely and accessible notifications regarding temporary hazards or disruptions that may affect physical access.
2. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES AND COMMUNICATIONS
Barriers in information technologies and communications arise when digital tools, software, devices, systems, or communication methods are not designed or implemented with accessibility in mind, preventing inclusive access for all individuals. Current State SaskEnergy provides employees with access to adaptive tools and ergonomic technology where needed . This process enables staff to request appropriate accommodation, helping to facilitate barrier-free work experience.
SaskEnergy develops communications materials to be clear and accessible, including managing adherence to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0
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SaskEnergy Accessibility Plan 2026-2028
on SaskEnergy’s external website. Corporate media content is typically developed to include alternative text and closed captioning.
Some accessibility gaps have been identified within SaskEnergy’s technology and communications landscape. This includes the absence of formal accessibility assessments for new employees and a general lack of awareness and training among IT staff on accessibility best practices. Goal We aim to provide employees with barrier-free access to the digital tools and workspaces they need to excel in their roles and support their work effectively. Where possible, digital platforms and communications materials are developed to be inclusive and accessible to users, both internal and external, and adhere to WCAG 2.1 AA standards. 2026 -2028 Actions: Information Technologies Internal Digital Tools Continue to assess internal digital tools and systems to identify gaps and develop accessible alternatives. Integrate Accessibility Assessments Develop a plan to embed accessibility assessments into new employee onboarding and procurement procedures. Targeted Training In collaboration with other business units, develop training and education for employees on inclusive design principles, digital accessibility standards, and assistive technologies, amongst others. 2026 -2028 Actions: Communications Review Digital Communications Content for WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance Conduct an accessibility review of content hosted on SaskEnergy’s corporate intranet (innergy) and external websites. Using the results of the assessment, work toward achieving higher conformance with the WCAG2.1 Level AA. Enhance Brand Guidelines with Accessibility Standards Expand existing brand guidelines to include accessibility- specific standards for language, visual design and digital content to support inclusive communication practices.
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SaskEnergy Accessibility Plan 2026-2028
Establish Content Creation Guidelines for Accessibility Develop and implement clear, practical accessibility guidelines for staff who create communications content for both internal and external use. Ongoing Monitoring of WCAG Compliance in Advertising and Media Maintain ongoing review processes to validate compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA standards in advertising, promotional materials, and multimedia content.
Alternate Formats for Public Documents Make public-facing documents available in alternate formats upon request.
3. EMPLOYMENT
Barriers to employment are obstacles that prevent individuals with disabilities from fully participating in the workforce. Inadequate practices and measures in the workplace can impact an individual’s ability to secure and/or maintain employment. Current State SaskEnergy maintains a fair and inclusive workplace, while fostering a positive, respectful and productive work environment. Strategic workforce planning and human resources support across the organization is in place for the entire employee lifecycle — from recruitment and onboarding to development, retention and termination. These efforts include: • Employee training is delivered using a combination of in-person, virtual and third-party platforms. Online training modules incorporate video, text and audio formats to ensure accessibility for all employees. • Policies, processes and procedures in alignment with applicable laws and legislation — including The Saskatchewan Employment Act and The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018. • Accommodation requests from employees are reviewed and assessed by SaskEnergy’s Employee Health Services team. The process is designed to be responsive, respectful and transparent. • Other support programs offered by SaskEnergy : o Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
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SaskEnergy Accessibility Plan 2026-2028
o ‘Alive At Work’ and its monthly newsletter with information about tools to inspire employees on their health and wellness journey o Coverage through SaskEnergy’s extended healthcare plan for mental health services and supports. Goal We aim to cultivate positive employee experiences by promoting a diverse, inclusive and accessible work environment where all employees feel valued, engaged and empowered.
2026 -2028 Actions Workforce Talent & Development
Commit to attracting , developing and retaining a workforce that reflects the diversity of Saskatchewan’s population, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and fostering a culture of recognition, belonging and respect. Policies, Process and Procedures Continue to periodically review recruitment, onboarding and accommodation processes to identify and remove accessibility barriers, promoting practices that support an inclusive and equitable employee experience.
4. PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES
Accessibility barriers in the procurement of goods and services can prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in , and benefitting from, SaskEnergy’s procurement processes. Current State SaskEnergy’s procurement strategies are developed to achieve best value for the corporation, manage the formal purchasing process, and support long-term sustainability. Procurement is conducted primarily through online or email-based print formats, which offer limited accessibility features . SaskEnergy is currently in the process of implementing an online procurement portal. This digital platform is expected to enhance the accessibility, efficiency and inclusiveness of SaskEnergy’s procurement processes, providing better access for vendors and internal stakeholders alike.
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SaskEnergy Accessibility Plan 2026-2028
Goal We aim to consistently integrate accessibility requirements into procurement practices. This includes embedding accessibility and universal design considerations into specifications, bidding documents and proposal evaluations for services goods and related products.
2026 -2028 Actions Improve accessibility for vendors
Establish guidelines and best practices for digital tools and internal processes to ensure an appropriate level of accessibility for applicants during the procurement process and subsequent contract management efforts for successful applicants.
AWARENESS, EDUCATION, AND TRAINING In addition to the barriers addressed in the key focus areas, attitudinal barriers can also exist in an organization. These arise from negative beliefs, stereotypes or behaviours toward people with disabilities, creating obstacles to inclusion and equal participation. These barriers often reflect misconceptions or a lack of understanding and may appear as discrimination, exclusion or patronizing attitudes that undermine respect, dignity and equality. Goal We aim to foster a culture of inclusion and accessibility by addressing attitudinal barriers through communication, training and leadership to build awareness, challenge assumptions, and promote respect.
2026 -2028 Actions Promote Disability Awareness and Accessibility Education
Commit to fostering a culture of inclusion through targeted education and training, ensuring employees are informed and engaged in supporting colleagues of all abilities. Creating opportunities for meaningful interaction Provide opportunities for meaningful dialogue and knowledge sharing on accessibility and disability inclusion to build a disability- confident workforce.
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SaskEnergy Accessibility Plan 2026-2028
MONITORING AND REPORTING SaskEnergy is committed to regularly reviewing this Plan, measuring our progress, gathering feedback, and remaining transparent and accountable in our efforts. Annual progress reports will be made publicly available, highlighting completed objectives, revisions and adjustments. CONCLUSION SaskEnergy’s Accessibility Plan (2026–2028) represents our commitment to fostering an inclusive, accessible and respectful environment for all employees, customers and members of the public. Through the commitments outlined in this Plan, we will continue to identify, remove and prevent barriers across our facilities, services, technologies, and workplace practices. By adopting a phased approach to implementation of the actions outlined in this Plan, we will continue working toward positive outcomes through ongoing and new initiatives, while incorporating progress, learnings and feedback. We understand that creating a truly inclusive organization requires leadership, employee engagement, and input from those with lived experience. CONTACT US We are always open to receiving feedback from our employees, customers and members of the public regarding their experience with accessibility at SaskEnergy. To share questions or comments you have on our accessibility plan, or to request an alternate form of this document, please contact us in one of the following ways:
• By Email: • By Mail:
compliance@saskenergy.com
SaskEnergy Accessibility Feedback 10th Floor (Legal), 1777 Victoria Avenue Regina, SK S4P 4K5
By contacting us, you agree to the collection, use and storage of your personal information for the purpose of responding to you and improving the accessibility of our services, facilities and employment services.
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SaskEnergy Accessibility Plan 2026-2028
Information provided will be treated in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Anonymous feedback is welcome; however, please be aware that we will be unable to provide an acknowledgment of receipt or follow-up communication.
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SaskEnergy Accessibility Plan 2026-2028
GLOSSARY Accessibility: The quality of an environment that enables a person to access it with ease. Accessible: The ability to be reached, entered or accessed by persons with disabilities. Accommodation: Any technical aid or device, personal support or disability-related support that a person may require. This can include, but is not limited to, accessible document formats, mobility supports, interpretation or captioning services, or ensuring space has sensory sensitive features. Adaptability: The ability to be modified for a new use or purpose. Alternate formats: Alternate ways of providing information beyond traditional printed material. Examples include large print, text-only documents and braille. Alternative text: Also referred to as alt tags or alt attributes. Alternative text provides a verbal description of a visual or graph for individuals with visual impairments who use screen readers. Barrier: Anything that hinders or challenges the full and equal participation in society of persons with an impairment, limitation or disability. Braille: A tactile writing system used by people who are blind or visually impaired. It consists of raised dots arranged in patterns that represent letters, numbers, and punctuation, allowing users to read by touch. Captioning: Text at the bottom of the screen allows people to follow spoken dialogue and distinct noises. Closed captioning is similar, but the text must be decoded to appear on the screen. Disability: Any impairment that hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society. Disabilities can be permanent or temporary in nature, and can include physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairments. Discrimination: The unjust or prejudicial treatment of a person/group of people that deprives them of or limits their access to opportunities that are available to other members of society. Diversity: Recognizing that each person is unique, has different values, comes from different social or ethnic backgrounds and is of different genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, etc. Equality: The principle of treating everyone in the same manner by ensuring they have access to the same resources and opportunities. Equality does not necessarily lead to fair outcomes, as it does not consider people’s unique experiences and differing situations.
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SaskEnergy Accessibility Plan 2026-2028
Equity: The principle of considering people’s unique experiences and different situations, and ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities that are necessary for them to attain just outcomes. Equity aims to eliminate disparities and disproportions that are rooted in historical and contemporary injustices and oppression. Inclusion: Providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities and members of other minority groups. Large print: Printed information provided in a large font size (18 pt or larger) for people who are visually impaired. Person with a disability: A person with a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, sensory, learning or communication impairment, or a functional limitation, whether apparent or not, and permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, that hinders their full and equal participation in society when they face a barrier. Plain language: Clear, conversational communication that makes sense to the intended audience. The goal of plain language is to communicate so clearly that the intended audience can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use the information. Self-determination: People being empowered to make their own choices and control their own lives. Universal design: Universal design means making things safer, easier and more convenient for everyone. It involves a range of design concepts, including design of products, or spaces and environments, to provide access in a way that respects all abilities.
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SaskEnergy Accessibility Plan 2026-2028
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